Method for manufacturing liquid crystal display device

ABSTRACT

It is a method for manufacturing a liquid crystal display device in which an anchoring force causing liquid crystal molecules to be vertically aligned can be exerted sufficiently. A liquid crystal display device (1) including two substrates AM and CF and a liquid crystal layer (4) sandwiched therebetween can be manufactured. The liquid crystal display device manufacturing method includes: a first step of subjecting a surface of one of the substrates AM and CM that is to be in contact with the liquid crystal layer (4) to hydrophilization treatment; and a second step of disposing the two substrates AM and CF so as to face each other such that the two substrates are in contact with a liquid crystal composition containing liquid crystal molecules and an alignment aid having a polar group and having the function of causing the liquid crystal molecules to be aligned spontaneously.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to a method for manufacturing a liquidcrystal display device.

BACKGROUND ART

In conventional VA mode liquid crystal displays (liquid crystal displaydevices), polyimide (PI) alignment films are disposed on electrodes. Thealignment films function so as to induce vertical alignment of liquidcrystal molecules when no voltage is applied and to allow the liquidcrystal molecules to be aligned horizontally when a voltage is applied.However, the formation of the PI alignment films requires a large cost.Therefore, it has recently been contemplated to develop a method thatallows liquid crystal molecules to be aligned while the PI alignmentfilms are omitted.

For example, PTL 1 discloses a liquid crystal medium (liquid crystalcomposition) that is based on a mixture of polar compounds (liquidcrystal molecules) having negative dielectric anisotropy and contains atleast one self-alignment additive (alignment aid). In PTL 1, a specificcompound having a hydroxy group is used as the self-alignment additive.However, depending on the surface state of substrates, theself-alignment additive does not easily stick to the surfaces of thesubstrate, and a sufficient anchoring force for aligning the liquidcrystal molecules vertically is not obtained.

CITATION LIST Patent Literature

PTL 1: Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication (Translationof PCT Application) No. 2014-524951

SUMMARY OF INVENTION Technical Problem

The present invention provides a method for manufacturing a liquidcrystal display device in which an anchoring force causing liquidcrystal molecules to be vertically aligned can be exerted sufficiently.

Solution to Problem

The above object is achieved by the following (1) to (12) in the presentinvention.

(1) A liquid crystal display device manufacturing method formanufacturing a liquid crystal display device including two substratesand a liquid crystal layer sandwiched therebetween, the methodincluding:

a first step of subjecting a surface of a first one of the substratesthat is to be in contact with the liquid crystal layer tohydrophilization treatment; and

a second step of disposing the two substrates so as to face each othersuch that the two substrates are in contact with a liquid crystalcomposition containing liquid crystal molecules and an alignment aidhaving a polar group and having the function of causing the liquidcrystal molecules to be aligned spontaneously.

(2) The liquid crystal display device manufacturing method according to(1), wherein the hydrophilization treatment is ozone treatment or UVtreatment.

(3) The liquid crystal display device manufacturing method according to(2), wherein the ozone treatment is treatment performed in anozone-containing atmosphere for 1 to 100 seconds.

(4) The liquid crystal display device manufacturing method according toany one of (1) to (3), wherein the alignment aid has a polymerizablegroup that can be polymerized by irradiation with active energy rays,and

wherein the method further includes a third step of, after the secondstep, irradiating the liquid crystal composition with the active energyrays to polymerize the alignment aid.

(5) The liquid crystal display device manufacturing method according to(4), wherein the liquid crystal composition further contains apolymerizable compound that can be polymerized by irradiation with theactive energy rays, and

wherein the polymerizable compound is also polymerized in the thirdstep.

(6) The liquid crystal display device manufacturing method according toany one of (1) to (5), wherein the first one of the substrates is asubstrate in direct contact with the liquid crystal layer with noalignment film therebetween.

(7) The liquid crystal display device manufacturing method according toany one of (1) to (6), wherein the first one of the substrates is asubstrate having a pixel electrode.

(8) The liquid crystal display device manufacturing method according toany one of (1) to (7), wherein, in the first step, a surface of a secondone of the substrates that is to be in contact with the liquid crystallayer is also subjected to the hydrophilization treatment.

(9) The liquid crystal display device manufacturing method according to(8), wherein the second one of the substrates is a substrate in directcontact with the liquid crystal layer with no alignment filmtherebetween.

(10) The liquid crystal display device manufacturing method according to(8) or (9), wherein the second one of the substrates is a substrateincluding a color filter.

(11) The liquid crystal display device manufacturing method according toany one of (1) to (10), wherein, in the second step, the liquid crystalcomposition is supplied onto the hydrophilized surface of the first oneof the substrates, and then the second one of the substrates is disposedso as to face the first one of the substrates such that the second oneof the substrates is in contact with the liquid crystal composition.

(12) The liquid crystal display device manufacturing method according toany one of (1) to (11), wherein the liquid crystal display device is aPSA, PSVA, VA, IPS, FFS, or ECB mode liquid crystal display device.

Advantageous Effects of Invention

According to the present invention, a liquid crystal display device inwhich the liquid crystal molecules are vertically aligned sufficientlyis obtained.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view schematically showing oneembodiment of a liquid crystal display device.

FIG. 2 is an enlarged plan view of a region surrounded by line I in FIG.1.

FIG. 3A shows a case to give a poor evaluation of the light transmission(brightness unevenness) when light passes through each of the samplesobtained in the Examples and Comparative Examples.

FIG. 3B is shows a case to give a fair evaluation of the lighttransmission (brightness unevenness) when light passes through each ofthe samples obtained in the Examples and Comparative Examples.

FIG. 3C is shows a case to give a good evaluation of the lighttransmission (brightness unevenness) when light passes through each ofthe samples obtained in the Examples and Comparative Examples.

DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

The liquid crystal display device manufacturing method of the presentinvention will be described in detail based on a preferred embodiment.

First, a liquid crystal composition used in the present invention willbe described.

(Liquid Crystal Composition)

The liquid crystal composition contains liquid crystal molecules and analignment aid having a polar group and having the function of causingthe liquid crystal molecules to be aligned spontaneously.

((Alignment Aid))

The alignment aid (self-alignment compound) interacts with members(electrodes (such as ITO electrodes), substrates (such as glasssubstrates, acrylic substrates, transparent substrates, or flexiblesubstrates), resin layers (such as color filters, alignment films, orovercoat layers), or insulating films (such as inorganic material layersor SiNx layers)) that are to be in direct contact with a liquid crystallayer containing the liquid crystal composition and has the function ofinducing homeotropic alignment or homogeneous alignment of the liquidcrystal molecules contained in the liquid crystal layer.

Preferably, the alignment aid has a polymerizable group forpolymerization, a mesogenic group similar to the liquid crystalmolecules, an adsorptive group (polar group) that can interact with amember to be in direct contact with the liquid crystal layer, and analignment inducing group that induces alignment of the liquid crystalmolecules.

Preferably, the adsorptive group and the alignment inducing group arebonded to the mesogenic group, and the polymerizable group issubstituted on the meogenic group, the adsorptive group, or thealignment inducing group directly or, if necessary, through a spacergroup. In particular, preferably, the polymerizable group introducedinto the adsorptive group is substituted on the mesogenic group.

In the following description, * at the left end of a chemical formulaand * at the right end each represent a bond.

“Alignment Inducing Group”

The alignment inducing group has the function of inducing alignment ofthe liquid crystal molecules and is preferably a group represented bythe following general formula (AK).[Chem. 1]R^(AK1)—*  (AK)

In formula (AK), R^(AK1) represents a linear or branched alkyl grouphaving 1 to 20 carbon atoms. One or two or more —CH₂— groups in thealkyl group may be each independently replaced with —CH═CH—, —C≡C—, —O—,—CO—, —COO—, or —OCO— in such a manner that oxygen atoms are not linkeddirectly to one another, and one or two or more hydrogen atoms in thealkyl group may be each independently replaced with a halogeno group.

R^(AK1) represents preferably a linear or branched alkyl group having 1to 20 carbon atoms, more preferably a linear alkyl group having 1 to 20carbon atoms, and still more preferably a linear alkyl group having 1 to8 carbon atoms.

One —CH₂— group or two or more non-adjacent —CH₂— groups in the alkylgroup may be each independently replaced with —CH═CH—, —C≡C—, —O—, —CO—,—COO—, or —OCO—.

Moreover, any hydrogen atom in the alkyl group may be replaced with afluorine atom or a chlorine atom or may be replaced with a fluorineatom.

From the viewpoint of imparting so-called amphiphilicity to thealignment aid in the liquid crystal layer, it is preferable that thealignment inducing group is bonded to the mesogenic group.

“Polymerizable Group”

Preferably, the polymerizable group is represented by P^(AP1)-Sp^(AP1)-.

Preferably, P^(AP1) is a group selected from the group consisting ofgroups represented by the following general formula (AP-1) to generalformula (AP-9).

In the above formulas, R^(AP1) and R^(AP2) each independently representa hydrogen atom, an alkyl group having 1 to 5 carbon atoms, or ahalogenated alkyl group having 1 to 10 carbon atoms. One or two or more—CH₂— groups in the alkyl group may each be replaced with —O— or —CO—,and one or two or more hydrogen atoms in the alkyl group may be eachindependently replaced with a halogen atom or a hydroxy group.

W^(AP1) represents a single bond, —O—, —COO—, or —CH₂—.

t^(AP1) represents 0, 1, or 2.

P^(AP1) is preferably a group represented by any of general formula(AP-1) to general formula (AP-7), more preferably a group represented bygeneral formula (AP-1) or general formula (AP-2), and still morepreferably a group represented by general formula (AP-1).

Sp^(AP1) represents preferably a single bond or a linear or branchedalkylene group having 1 to 20 carbon atoms, more preferably a singlebond or a linear alkylene group having 1 to 20 carbon atoms, and stillmore preferably a single bond or a linear alkylene group having 2 to 10carbon atoms.

In Sp^(AP1), one —CH₂— group or two or more non-adjacent —CH₂— groups inthe alkylene group may be each independently replaced with —CH═CH—,—C≡C—, —O—, —CO—, —COO—, or —OCO—.

In the alignment aid, the number of polymerizable groups(P^(AP1)-Sp^(AP1)-) is preferably from 1 to 5 inclusive, more preferablyfrom 1 to 4 inclusive, still more preferably from 2 to 4 inclusive,particularly preferably 2 or 3, and most preferably 2.

Any hydrogen atom in P^(AP1)-Sp^(AP1)- may be replaced with apolymerizable group, an adsorptive group, and/or an alignment inducinggroup.

Each polymerizable group (P^(AP1)-Sp^(AP1)-) may be bonded to anotherpolymerizable group, the mesogenic group, the adsorptive group, and/orthe alignment inducing group.

Each polymerizable group (P^(AP1)-Sp^(AP1)-) is bonded preferably to themesogenic group, the adsorptive group, and/or the alignment inducinggroup and more preferably to the mesogenic group or the adsorptivegroup.

When a plurality of P^(AP1) groups and/or a plurality of Sp^(AP1)-groups are present in one molecule, they may be the name or different.

“Mesogenic Group”

The mesogenic group is a group having a rigid portion, for example, agroup having at least one cyclic group and is preferably a group having2 to 4 cyclic groups and more preferably 3 or 4 cyclic groups. Thecyclic groups may be optionally connected to each other through alinking group. Preferably, the mesogenic group has a skeleton similar tothat of the liquid crystal molecules (liquid crystal compound) used inthe liquid crystal layer.

In the present description, the term “cyclic group” means an atomicgroup including atoms linked so as to form a ring and is intended toinclude carbocycles, heterocycles, saturated and unsaturated cyclicstructures, monocyclic structures, bicyclic structures, polycyclicstructures, aromatic structures, and non-aromatic structures.

The cyclic group may contain at least one heteroatom and may besubstituted with at least one substituent (a halogeno group, apolymerizable group, or an organic group (such as alkyl, alkoxy, oraryl). When the cyclic group is a monocycle, it is preferable that themesogenic group contains at least two monocycles.

Preferably, the mesogenic group is represented by, for example, generalformula (AL).

In general formula (AL), Z^(AL1) represents a single bond, —CH═CH—,—CF═CF—, —C≡C—, —COO—, —OCO—, —OCOO—, —CF₂O—, —OCF₂—, —CH═CHCOO—,—OCOCH═CH—, —CH₂—CH₂COO—, —OCOCH₂—CH₂—, —CH═C(CH₃)COO—, —OCOC(CH₃)═CH—,—CH₂—CH(CH₃)COO—, —OCOCH(CH₃)—CH₂—, —OCH₂CH₂O—, or an alkylene grouphaving 1 to 20 carbon atoms. One —CH₂— group or two or more non-adjacent—CH₂— groups in the alkylene group may each be replaced with —O—, —COO—,or —OCO—.

A^(AL1) and A^(AL2) each independently represent a divalent cyclicgroup.

One or two or more hydrogen atoms in each of Z^(AL1), A^(AL1), andA^(AL2) may be each independently replaced with a halogeno group, anadsorptive group, P^(AP1)-Sp^(AP1)-, or a monovalent organic group.

When a plurality of Z^(A)Ls and a plurality of A^(AL1)s are present inone molecule, they may be the same or different.

m^(AL1) represents an integer of 1 to 5.

In general formula (AL), Z^(AL1) is preferably a single bond or analkylene group having 2 to 20 carbon atoms, more preferably a singlebond or an alkylene group having 2 to 10 carbon atoms, and still morepreferably a single bond, —(CH₂)₂—, or —(CH₂)₄—. One —CH₂— group or twoor more non-adjacent —CH₂— groups in the alkylene group may each bereplaced with —O—, —COO—, or —OCO—.

For the purpose of increasing the linearity of the rod-shaped molecules,Z^(AL1) is preferably a single bond linking rings directly or a moietyincluding an even number of atoms connecting the rings directly. When,for example, Z^(AL1) is —CH₂—CH₂COO—, the number of atoms directlylinking the rings is 4.

In general formula (AL), A^(AL1) and A^(AL2) each independentlyrepresent a divalent cyclic group. The divalent cyclic group ispreferably a group selected from the group consisting of a 1,4-phenylenegroup, a 1,4-cyclohexylene group, a 1,4-cyclohexenyl group, atetrahydropyran-2,5-diyl group, a 1,3-dioxane-2,5-diyl group, atetrahydrothiopyran-2,5-diyl group, a thiophene-2,5-diyl group, a1,4-bicyclo(2,2,2)octylene group, a decahydronaphthalene-2,6-diyl group,a pyridine-2,5-diyl group, a pyrimidine-2,5-diyl group, apyrazine-2,5-diyl group, a thiophene-2,5-diyl group-, a1,2,3,4-tetrahydronaphthalene-2,6-diyl group, a 2,6-naphthylene group, aphenanthrene-2,7-diyl group, a 9,10-dihydrophenanthrene-2,7-diyl group,a 1,2,3,4,4a,9,10a-octahydrophenanthrene-2,7-diyl group, a1,4-naphthylene group, a benzo[1,2-b:4,5-b′]dithiophene-2,6-diyl group,a benzo[1,2-b:4,5-b′]diselenophene-2,6-diyl group, a[1]benzothieno[3,2-b]thiophene-2,7-diyl group, a[1]benzoselenopheno[3,2-b]selenophene-2,7-diyl group, and afluorene-2,7-diyl group. The divalent cyclic group is more preferably a1,4-phenylene group, a 1,4-cyclohexylene group, a 2,6-naphthylene group,or a phenanthrene-2,7-diyl group and still more preferably a1,4-phenylene group or a 1,4-cyclohexylene group.

These groups may be unsubstituted or substituted with a substituent. Thesubstituent is preferably a fluorine atom or an alkyl group having 1 to8 carbon atoms. The alkyl group may be substituted with a fluorine atomor a hydroxy group.

One or two or more hydrogen atoms in the cyclic group may be replacedwith a halogeno group, an adsorptive group, P^(AP1)-Sp^(AP1)-, or amonovalent organic group.

In general formula (AL), the monovalent organic group is a group havingthe chemical structure of a monovalent group originating from an organiccompound and is an atomic group obtained by removing one hydrogen atomfrom the organic compound.

Examples of the monovalent organic group include alkyl groups having 1to 15 carbon atoms, alkenyl groups having 2 to 15 carbon atoms, alkoxygroups having 1 to 14 carbon atoms, and alkenyloxy groups having 2 to 15carbon atoms. The monovalent organic group is preferably an alkyl grouphaving 1 to 15 carbon atoms or an alkoxy group having 1 to 14 carbonatoms, more preferably an alkyl group having 1 to 8 carbon atoms or analkoxy group having 1 to 8 carbon atoms, still more preferably an alkylgroup having 1 to 5 carbon atoms or an alkoxy group having 1 to 4 carbonatoms, particularly preferably an alkyl group having 1 to 3 carbon atomsor an alkoxy group having 1 to 2 carbon atoms, and most preferably analkyl group having 1 or 2 carbon atoms or an alkoxy group having 1carbon atom.

One —CH₂— group or two or more non-adjacent —CH₂— groups in each of theabove alkyl groups, alkenyl groups, alkoxy groups, and alkenyloxy groupsmay be replaced with —O—, —COO—, or —OCO—. Moreover, the monovalentorganic group may serve as the alignment inducing group described later.

In general formula (AL) above, m^(AL1) is preferably an integer of 1 to4, more preferably an integer of 1 to 3, and still more preferably 2 or3.

Preferred forms of the mesogenic group include the following formulas(me-1) to (me-45).

General formula (AL) represents a structure obtained by removing 2hydrogen atoms from one of the above compounds.

In these formulas (me-1) to (me-45), one or two or more hydrogen atomsin each of the cyclohexane rings, the benzene rings, and the naphthalenerings may be each independently replaced with a halogeno group,P^(AP1)-Sp^(AP1)-, a monovalent organic group (such as an alkyl grouphaving 1 to 15 carbon atoms or an alkoxy group having 1 to 14 carbonatoms), an adsorptive group, or an alignment inducing group.

Preferred forms of the mesogenic group include formulas (me-8) to(me-45), and more preferred forms include formulas (me-8) to (me-10),formulas (me-12) to (me-18), formulas (me-22) to (me-24), formulas(me-26) to (me-27), formulas (me-29) to (me-45). Still more preferredforms include formulas (me-12), (me-15) to (me-16), (me-22) to (me-24),(me-29), (me-34), (me-36) to (me-37), and (me-42) to (me-45).

Particularly preferred forms of the mesogenic group include thefollowing general formulas (AL-1) and (AL-2), and the most preferredform is the following general formula

In these formulas, X^(AL101) to X^(AL118) and X^(AL201) to X^(AL214)each independently represent a hydrogen atom, a halogeno group,P^(AP1)-Sp^(AP1)-, an adsorptive group, or an alignment inducing group.

Ring X^(AL11), ring X^(AL12), and ring X^(AL21) each independentlyrepresent a cyclohexane ring or a benzene ring.

One or two or more of X^(AL101) to X^(AL118) and X^(AL201) to X^(AL214)are each substituted with an adsorptive group.

One or two or more of X^(AL101) to X^(AL118) and X^(AL201) to X^(AL214)are each substituted with an alignment inducing group.

Each adsorptive group and each alignment inducing group may each besubstituted with P^(AP1)-Sp^(AP1)-.

In general formula (AL-1) or general formula (AL-2), one or two or moreP^(AP1)-Sp^(AP1)- groups are present in their molecule.

In general formula (AL-1), X^(AL101) is preferably an alignment inducinggroup.

In general formula (AL-1), at least one of X^(AL109), X^(AL110), andX^(AL111) is preferably an adsorptive group. More preferably, X^(AL109)and X^(AL110) are each an adsorptive group, or X^(AL110) is anadsorptive group. Still more preferably, X^(AL110) is an adsorptivegroup.

In general formula (AL-1), it in preferable that at least one ofX^(AL109), X^(AL110) and X^(AL111) in P^(AP1)-Sp^(AP1)- or an adsorptivegroup having a polymerizable moiety in its structure, and it is morepreferable that both or one of X^(AL109) and X^(AL111) isP^(AP1)-Sp^(AP1)-.

In general formula (AL-1), one or two of X^(AL104) to X^(AL108) andX^(AL112) to X^(AL116) are each independently preferably an alkyl grouphaving 1 to 5 carbon atoms, an alkoxy group having 1 to 5 carbon atoms,or a halogeno group and more preferably an alkyl group having 1 to 3carbon atoms or a fluorine atom. Particularly preferably, X^(AL105),X^(AL106), and X^(AL107) are each independently an alkyl group having 1to 3 carbon atoms or a fluorine atom.

In general formula (AL-2), X^(AL201) is preferably an alignment inducinggroup.

In general formula (AL-2), it is preferable that at least one ofX^(AL207), X^(AL208), and X^(AL209) is an adsorptive group, and it ismore preferable that X^(AL207) and X^(AL208) are each an adsorptivegroup or X^(AL208) is an adsorptive group. It is still more preferablethat X^(AL208) is an adsorptive group.

In general formula (AL-2), it is preferable that at least one ofX^(AL207), X^(AL208), and X^(AL209) is P^(AP1)-Sp^(AP1)- or anadsorptive group having a polymerizable moiety in its structure, and itis more preferable that both or one of X^(AL207) and X^(AL209) isP^(AP1)-Sp^(AP1)-.

In general formula (AL-2), one or two of X^(AL202) to X^(AL206) andX^(AL210) to X^(AL214) are each independently preferably an alkyl grouphaving 1 to 5 carbon atoms, an alkoxy group having 1 to 5 carbon atoms,or a halogeno group and more preferably an alkyl group having 1 to 3carbon atoms or a fluorine atom. It is particularly preferable thatX^(AL204), X^(AL205), or X^(AL206) is each independently an alkyl grouphaving 1 to 3 carbon atoms or a fluorine atom.

“Adsorptive Group”

The adsorptive group is a group that plays a role in adsorbing on anadsorbent, i.e., a layer such as a substrate, a film, or an electrodethat is in contact with the liquid crystal composition.

Adsorption is generally classified into chemical adsorption in which anadsorbate adsorbs on an adsorbent through a chemical bond (a covalentbond, an ionic bond, or a metallic bond) and physical adsorption otherthan the chemical adsorption. In the present description, adsorption maybe chemical adsorption or may be physical adsorption, but physicaladsorption in preferred. Therefore, the adsorptive group is preferably agroup that is physically adsorbable on the adsorbent and more preferablya group that is bondable to the adsorbent through intermolecular force.

Examples of the form of bonding to the adsorbent through intermolecularforce include a form of bonding through interaction such as permanentdipoles, permanent quadrupoles, dispersion force, charge transfer force,or hydrogen bonding.

One preferred form of the adsorptive group is a form in which theadsorptive group is bondable to the adsorbent through hydrogen bonding.In this case, the adsorptive group may serve an either a proton donor oracceptor for hydrogen bonding or may serve as both the donor andacceptor.

The adsorptive group is preferably a group containing a polar componenthaving an atomic group including a carbon atom and a heteroatom linkedthereto (hereinafter the “adsorptive group” may be referred to also as a“polar group”). In the present description, the polar component is anatomic group in which a carbon atom is linked directly to a heteroatom.

The heteroatom is preferably at least one selected from the groupconsisting of N, O, S, P, B, and Si, more preferably at least oneselected from the group consisting of N, O, and S, still more preferablyat least one selected from the group consisting of N and O, andparticularly preferably O.

In the alignment aid, no particular limitation is imposed on the valenceof the polar component, and the valence may be 1, 2, 3, etc. Moreover,no particular limitation is imposed on the number of polar components inthe adsorptive group.

The alignment aid has, in its molecule, preferably 1 to 8 adsorptivegroups, more preferably 1 to 4 adsorptive groups, and still morepreferably 1 to 3 adsorptive groups.

Polymerizable groups and alignment inducing groups are excluded from theadsorptive groups, but a structure in which a hydrogen atom in anadsorptive group is replaced with P^(AP1)-Sp^(AP1)- and a structure inwhich a hydrogen atom in P^(AP1)-Sp^(AP1)- is replaced with —OH areincluded in the above adsorptive groups.

The adsorptive groups each contain one or two or more polar componentsand are broadly classified into a cyclic group type and a chain grouptype.

An adsorptive group of the cyclic group type includes, in its structure,a cyclic group having a cyclic structure containing a polar component,and an adsorptive group of the chain group type includes, in itsstructure, no cyclic group having a cyclic structure containing a polarcomponent.

An adsorptive group of the chain group type has a polar component in itslinear or branched chain structure and may have a portion having acyclic structure containing no polar component.

The adsorptive group of the cyclic group type means a form having astructure including at least one polar component in its cyclic atomicarrangement.

In the present description, the cyclic group is as described above.Therefore, it is only necessary that the adsorptive group of the cyclicgroup type contain a cyclic group including a polar component, and theadsorptive group as a whole may be branched or linear.

The adsorptive group of the linear group type means a form that has, inits molecule, no cyclic atomic arrangement containing a polar componentand has a structure containing at least one polar component in a linearatomic arrangement (which may be branched).

In the present description, the chain group is an acyclic group andmeans an atomic group which contains no cyclic atomic arrangement in itsstructural formula and in which the atoms forming the atomic group arebonded linearly (may be branched). In other words, the chain group is alinear or branched aliphatic group and may contain either a saturatedbond or an unsaturated bond.

Therefore, examples of the chain group include alkyls, alkenyls,alkoxys, esters, ethers, and ketones. Any hydrogen atom in these groupsmay be replaced with at least one substituent (a reactive functionalgroup (such as a vinyl group, an acrylic group, or a methacrylic group)or a chain organic group (such as an alkyl or a cyano)). The chain groupmay be linear or branched.

The adsorptive group of the cyclic group type is preferably aheteroaromatic group (including a fused ring) having 3 to 20 carbonatoms or a heteroalicyclic group (including a fused ring) having 3 to 20carbon atoms, more preferably a heteroaromatic group (including a fusedring) having 3 to 12 carbon atoms or a heteroalicyclic group (includinga fused ring) having 3 to 12 carbon atoms, and still more preferably afive-membered heteroaromatic group, a five-membered heteroalicyclicgroup, a six-membered heteroaromatic group, or a six-memberedheteroalicyclic group. Any hydrogen atom in these cyclic structures maybe replaced with a halogeno group, a linear or branched alkyl grouphaving 1 to 5 carbon atoms, or a linear or branched alkyloxy grouphaving 1 to 5 carbon atoms.

Preferably, the adsorptive group of the linear group type is a linear orbranched alkyl group which has 1 to 20 carbon atoms and in which any ofthe hydrogen atoms and the —CH₂— groups in its structure is replacedwith a polar component. One —CH₂— group or two or more non-adjacent—CH₂— groups in the alkyl group may be replaced with —CH═CH—, —C≡C—,—O—, —CO—, —COO—, or —OCO—. Preferably, the adsorptive group of thelinear group type has one or two or more polar components at its ends.

Any hydrogen atom in the adsorptive group may be replaced with apolymerizable group.

Specific examples of the polar component include polar componentscontaining an oxygen atom (hereinafter referred to as oxygen-containingpolar components), polar components containing a nitrogen atom(hereinafter referred to as nitrogen-containing polar components), polarcomponents containing a phosphorus atom (hereinafter referred to asphosphorus-containing polar components), polar components containing aboron atom (hereinafter referred to as boron-containing polarcomponents), polar components containing a silicon atom (hereinafterreferred to as silicon-containing polar components), and polarcomponents containing a sulfur atom (hereinafter referred to assulfur-containing polar components). From the viewpoint ofadsorbability, the polar component is preferably a nitrogen-containingpolar component, or an oxygen-containing polar component and morepreferably an oxygen-containing polar component.

The oxygen-containing polar component is preferably at least one groupselected from the group consisting of a hydroxy group, alkylol groups,alkoxy groups, a formyl group, a carboxyl group, ether groups, acarbonyl group, carbonate groups, and ester groups or a group in whichany of the above groups is linked to a carbon atom.

The nitrogen-containing polar component is preferably at least one groupselected from the group consisting of a cyano group, primary aminogroups, secondary amino groups, tertiary amino groups, a pyridyl group,a carbamoyl group, and ureide groups or a group in which any of theabove groups is linked to a carbon atom.

The phosphorus-containing polar component is preferably at least onegroup selected from the group consisting of phosphinyl groups andphosphate groups or a group in which any of the above groups is linkedto a carbon atom.

It is therefore preferable that one or two or more groups selected fromthe group consisting of cyclic groups having oxygen-containing polarcomponents (hereinafter referred to as oxygen-containing cyclic groups),cyclic groups having nitrogen-containing polar components (hereinafterreferred to as nitrogen-containing cyclic groups), cyclic groups havingsulfur-containing polar components (hereinafter referred to assulfur-containing cyclic groups), chain groups having oxygen-containingpolar components (hereinafter referred to as oxygen-containing chaingroups), and chain groups having nitrogen-containing polar components(hereinafter referred to as nitrogen-containing chain groups) are usedas the adsorptive groups or each adsorptive group contains any of theabove groups. From the viewpoint of adsorbability, it is preferable tocontain one or two or more groups selected from the group consisting ofoxygen-containing cyclic groups, sulfur-containing cyclic groups,oxygen-containing chain groups, and nitrogen-containing chain groups.

It is preferable to contain, as the oxygen-containing cyclic group, anyof the following groups each having an oxygen atom as an ether group inthe cyclic structure.

It is also preferable to contain, as the oxygen-containing cyclic group,any of the following groups each having an oxygen atom as a carbonylgroup, a carbonate group, or an ester group in the cyclic structure.

It is preferable to contain as the nitrogen-containing cyclic group, anyof the following groups.

It is preferable to contain, as the oxygen-containing chain group, anyof the following groups.

In the above formulas, R^(at1) represents a hydrogen atom or an alkylgroup having 1 to 5 carbon atoms.

Z^(at1) represents a single bond, a linear or branched alkylene grouphaving 1 to 15 carbon atoms, or a linear or branched alkenylene grouphaving 2 to 18 carbon atoms. Any —CH₂— group in the alkylene group orthe alkenylene group may be replaced with —O—, —COO—, —C(═O)—, or —OCO—in such a manner that oxygen atoms are not directly adjacent to eachother.

X^(at1) represents an alkyl group having 1 to 15 carbon atoms. Any —CH₂—group in the alkyl group may be replaced with —O—, —COO—, —C(═O)—, or—OCO— in such a manner that oxygen atoms are not directly adjacent toeach other.

It is preferable to contain, as the nitrogen-containing chain group, anyof the following groups.

In the above formulas, R^(at), R^(bt), R^(ct), and R^(dt) eachindependently represent a hydrogen atom or an alkyl group having 1 to 5carbon atoms.

The adsorptive group is preferably a group represented by the followinggeneral formula (AT).

In the above formula, Sp^(AT1) represents a single bond or a linear orbranched alkylene group having 1 to 25 carbon atoms. Any hydrogen atomin the alkylene group may be replaced with —OH, —CN, —W^(AT1)—Z^(AT1) orP^(AP1)-Sp^(AP1)-, and any —CH₂— group in the alkylene group may bereplaced with a cyclic group, —O—, —COO—, —C(═O)—, —OCO—, or —CH═CH— insuch a manner that oxygen atoms are not linked directly to one another.

W^(AT1) represents a single bond or the following general formula (WAT1)or (WAT2).

Z^(AT1) represents a monovalent group containing a polar component. Anyhydrogen atom in Z^(AT1) may be replaced with —OH, —CN,-Sp^(AT1)-W^(AT1)—Z^(AT1), or P^(AP1)-Sp^(AP1)-.

(In the above formulas, Sp^(WAT1) and Sp^(WAT2) each independentlyrepresent a single bond or a linear or branched alkylene group having 1to 25 carbon atoms. Any hydrogen atom in the alkylene group may bereplaced with —OH, —CN, -Sp^(AT1)-W^(AT1)—Z^(AT1), or P^(AP1)-Sp^(AP1)-,and any —CH₂— group in the alkylene group may be replaced with a cyclicgroup, —O—, —COO—, —C(═O)—, —OCO—, or —CH═CH— in such a manner thatoxygen atoms are not linked directly to one another.)

Sp^(AT1), Sp^(WAT1), and Sp^(WAT2) each independently representpreferably a single bond or a linear or branched alkylene group having 1to 20 carbon atoms, more preferably a single bond or a linear alkylenegroup having 1 to 20 carbon atoms, and still more preferably a singlebond or a linear alkylene group having 2 to 10 carbon atoms.

In Sp^(AT1), Sp^(WAT1), and Sp^(WAT2), one —CH₂— group or two or morenon-adjacent —CH₂— groups in the alkylene group may be eachindependently replaced with —CH═CH—, —C≡C—, —O—, —CO—, —COO—, or —OCO—in such a manner that oxygen atoms are not linked directly to oneanother.

Any of the hydrogen atoms in Sp^(AT1) and Sp^(WAT1) may be eachindependently replaced with -Sp^(AT1)-W^(AT1)—Z^(AT1) orP^(AP1)-Sp^(AP1)-.

Z^(AT1) represents a monovalent group having a polar component and ispreferably a group represented by the following general formula(Z^(AT1)-1) or (Z^(AT1)-2).

In the above formulas, Sp^(ZAT11) and Sp^(ZAT12) each independentlyrepresent a linear or branched alkylene group having 1 to 25 carbonatoms. Any hydrogen atom in the alkylene group may be replaced with —OH,—CN, -Sp^(AT1)-W^(AT1)—Z^(AT1), or P^(AP1)-Sp^(AP1)-, and any —CH₂—group in the alkylene group may be replaced with a cyclic group, —O—,—COO—, —C(═O)—, —OCO—, or —CH═CH— in such a manner that oxygen atoms arenot directly adjacent to each other.

Z^(ZAT11) represents a group having a polar component.

The structure represented by a ring containing Z^(ZAT12) in generalformula (Z^(AT1)-2) represents a 5 to 7-membered ring.

Any hydrogen atom in Z^(ZAT11) and Z^(ZAT12) may be replaced with —OH,—CN, -Sp^(AT1)-W^(AT1)—Z^(AT1), or P^(AP1)-Sp^(AP1)-.

R^(ZAT11) and R^(ZAT12) each independently represent a linear orbranched alkyl group having 1 to 8 carbon atoms. Any hydrogen atom inthe alkyl group may be replaced with —OH, —CN,-Sp^(AT1)-W^(AT1)—Z^(AT1), or P^(AP1)-Sp^(AP1)-, and any —CH₂— group inthe alkyl group may be replaced with a cyclic group, —O—, —COO—,—C(═O)—, —OCO—, or —CH═CH— in such a manner that oxygen atoms are notlinked directly to one another.

The group represented by general formula (Z^(AT1)-1) is preferably agroup represented by any of the following general formulas (Z^(AT1)-1-1)to (Z^(AT1)-1-30).

In the above formulas, any hydrogen atom bonded to a carbon atom may bereplaced with —OH, —CN, -Sp^(AT1)-W^(AT1)—Z^(AT1), or P^(AP1)-Sp^(AP1)-.

Sp^(ZAT11) represents a linear or branched alkylene group having 1 to 25carbon atoms. Any hydrogen atom in the alkylene group may be replacedwith —OH, —CN, -Sp^(AT1)-W^(AT1)—Z^(AT1), or P^(AP1)-Sp^(AP1)-, and any—CH₂— group in the alkylene group may be replaced with a cyclic group,—O—, —COO—, —C(═O)—, —OCO—, or —CH═CH— in such a manner that oxygenatoms are not directly adjacent to each other.

R^(ZAT11) represents a linear or branched alkyl group having 1 to 8carbon atoms. Any hydrogen atom in the alkyl group may be replaced with—OH, —CN, -Sp^(AT1)-W^(AT1)—Z^(AT1), or P^(AP1)-Sp^(AP1)-, and any —CH₂—group in the alkyl group may be replaced with a cyclic group, —O—,—COO—, —C(═O)—, —OCO—, or —CH═CH— in such a manner that oxygen atoms arenot linked directly to one another.

The group represented by general formula (Z^(AT1)-2) in preferably agroup represented by any of the following general formulas (Z^(AT1)-2-1)to (Z^(AT1)-2-9).

In the above formulas, any hydrogen atom bonded to a carbon atom may bereplaced with a halogen atom, —OH, —CN, -Sp^(AT1)-W^(AT1)—Z^(AT1), orP^(AP1)-Sp^(AP1)-.

Sp^(ZAT11) represents a linear or branched alkylene group having 1 to 25carbon atoms. Any hydrogen atom in the alkylene group may be replacedwith —OH, —CN, -Sp^(AT1)-W^(AT1)—Z^(AT1), or P^(AP1)-Sp^(AP1)-, and any—CH₂— group in the alkylene group may be replaced with a cyclic group,—O—, —COO—, —C(═O)—, —OCO—, or —CH═CH— in such a manner that oxygenatoms are not directly adjacent to each other.

Examples of the group represented by general formula (Z^(AT1)-1) includethe following groups.

In the above formulas, R^(tc) represents a hydrogen atom, an alkyl grouphaving 1 to 20 carbon atoms, or P^(AP1)-Sp^(AP1)-. Any hydrogen atom inthe alkyl group may be replaced with —OH, —CN,-Sp^(AT1)-W^(AT1)—Z^(AT1), or P^(AP1)-Sp^(AP1)-, and any —CH₂— group inthe alkyl group may be replaced with a cyclic group, —O—, —COO—,—C(═O)—, —OCO—, or —CH═CH— in such a manner that oxygen atoms are notdirectly adjacent to each other.

Any hydrogen atom in each molecule may be replaced withP^(AP1)-Sp^(AP1)-.

Each * represents a bond.

It is preferable that, in the alignment aid, each polar componentincluded in each adsorptive group and each polar component included ineach polymerizable group are localized. Each adsorptive group has astructure that is important for aligning the liquid crystal moleculesvertically. When an adsorptive group is adjacent to a polymerizablegroup, better alignability is obtained, and good solubility in theliquid crystal composition is obtained.

In one specific preferred form of the alignment aid, a polymerizablegroup and an adsorptive group are present on the same ring in themesogenic group. Examples of such a form include a form in which one ormore polymerizable groups and one or more adsorptive groups are bondedto the same ring and a form in which at least one of one or morepolymerizable groups is bonded to at least one of one or more adsorptivegroups such that the at least one polymerizable group and the at leastone adsorptive group are present on the same ring.

In these cases, any hydrogen atom in a spacer group in eachpolymerizable group may be replaced with an adsorptive group, and anyhydrogen atom in each adsorptive group may be replaced with apolymerizable group through a spacer group.

The alignment aid is preferably a compound represented by the followinggeneral formula (SAL).

In the above formula, any hydrogen atom bonded to a carbon atom may bereplaced with a linear or branched alkyl group having 1 to 25 carbonatoms, —OH, —CN, -Sp^(AT1)-W^(AT1)—Z^(AT1), or P^(AP1)-Sp^(AP1)-. Anyhydrogen atom in the alkyl group may be replaced with —OH, —CN,-Sp^(AT1)-W^(AT1)—Z^(AT1), or P^(AP1)-Sp^(AP1)-, and any —CH₂— group inthe alkyl group may be replaced with a cyclic group, —O—, —COO—,—C(═O)—, —OCO—, or —CH═CH— in such a manner that oxygen atoms are notlinked directly to one another.

R^(AK1) has the same meaning as R^(AK1) in general formula (AK).

A^(AL1) and A^(AL2) each independently have the same meaning as A^(AL1)or A^(AL2) in general formula (AL).

Z^(AL1) has the same meaning as Z^(AL1) in general formula (AL).

m^(AL1) has the same meaning as m^(AL1) in general formula (AL).

Sp^(AT1) has the same meaning as Sp^(AT1) in general formula (AT).

W^(AT1) has the same meaning as W^(AT1) in general formula (AT).

Z^(AT1) has the same meaning as Z^(AT1) in general formula (AT).

The compound represented by general formula (SAL) is preferably acompound represented by any of the following formulas (SAL-1.1) to(SAL-2.9).

The amount of the alignment aid contained in the liquid crystalcomposition is preferably about 0.01 to about 50% by mass. The lowerlimit of the amount of the alignment aid is more preferably 0.05% bymass or 0.1% by mass in terms of aligning the liquid crystal moleculesmore preferably. In terms of improving response characteristics, theupper limit is more preferably 30% by mass, 10% by mass, 7% by mass, 5%by mass, 4% by mass, or 3% by mass.

((Liquid Crystal Molecules))

Preferably, the liquid crystal molecules contain at least one ofcompounds represented by the following general formulas (N-1) to (N-3).

In the above formulas, R^(N11), R^(N12), R^(N21), R^(N22), R^(N31), andR^(N32) each independently represent an alkyl group having 1 to 8 carbonatoms. Any one —CH₂— group or two or more non-adjacent —CH₂— groups inthe alkyl group may each be replaced with —CH═CH—, —C≡C—, —O—, —CO—,—COO—, or —OCO—.

A^(N11), A^(N12), A^(N21), A^(N22), A^(N31), and A^(N32) eachindependently represent a group selected from the group consisting of

(a) a 1,4-cyclohexylene group (any one —CH₂— group or two or morenon-adjacent —CH₂— groups present in this group may each be replacedwith —O—),

(b) a 1,4-phenylene group (any one —CH═ group or two or morenon-adjacent —CH═ groups present in this group may each be replaced with—N═),

(c) a naphthalene-2,6-diyl group, a1,2,3,4-tetrahydronaphthalene-2,6-diyl group, or adecahydronaphthalene-2,6-diyl group (any one —CH═ group or two or morenon-adjacent —CH═ groups present in these groups may each be replacedwith —N═), and

(d) a 1,4-cyclohexenylene group. The group (a), the group (b), the group(c), and the group (d) may be each independently substituted with acyano group, a fluorine atom, or a chlorine atom.

Z^(N11), Z^(N12), Z^(N21), Z^(N22), Z^(N31), and Z^(N32) eachindependently represent a single bond, —CH₂CH₂—, —(CH₂)₄—, —OCH₂—,—CH₂O—, —COO—, —OCO—, —OCF₂—, —CF₂O—, —CH═N—N═CH—, —CH═CH—, —CF═CF—, or—C≡C—.

X^(N21) represents a hydrogen atom or a fluorine atom.

T^(N31) represents —CH₂— or an oxygen atom.

n^(N11), n^(N12), n^(N21), n^(N22), n^(N31), and n^(N32) eachindependently represent an integer of 0 to 3, and n^(N11)+n^(N12),n^(N21)+n^(N22), and n^(N31)+n^(N32) are each independently 1, 2, or 3.

When n^(N11), n^(N12), n^(N21), n^(N22), n^(N31), and n^(N32) are each 2or more, A^(N11)s to A^(N32)s and Z^(N11)s to Z^(N32)s may be the sameor different.

Preferably, the compound represented by any of the above generalformulas (N-1) to (N-3) has a negative dielectric anisotropy (Δε), andthe absolute value of the dielectric anisotropy is more than 3.

R^(N11) to R^(N32) are each independently preferably an alkyl grouphaving 1 to 8 carbon atoms, an alkoxy group having 1 to 8 carbon atoms,an alkenyl group having 2 to 8 carbon atoms, or an alkenyloxy grouphaving 2 to 8 carbon atoms, more preferably an alkyl group having 1 to 5carbon atoms, an alkoxy group having 1 to 5 carbon atoms, an alkenylgroup having 2 to 5 carbon atoms, or an alkenyloxy group having 2 to 5carbon atoms, still more preferably an alkyl group having 1 to 5 carbonatoms or an alkenyl group having 2 to 5 carbon atoms, particularlypreferably an alkyl group having 2 to 5 carbon atoms or an alkenyl grouphaving 2 to 3 carbon atoms, and most preferably an alkenyl group having3 carbon atoms (i.e., a propenyl group).

When ring structures to which these groups are bonded are each a benzenering (aromatic ring), R^(N11) to R^(N32) are each independentlypreferably a linear alkyl group having 1 to 5 carbon atoms, a linearalkoxy group having 1 to 4 carbon atoms, or an alkenyl group having 4 to5 carbon atoms.

When the ring structures to which these groups are bonded are each asaturated ring structure such as a cyclohexane ring, a pyran ring, or adioxane ring, R^(N11) to R^(N32) are each independently preferably alinear alkyl group having 1 to 5 carbon atoms, a linear alkoxy grouphaving 1 to 4 carbon atoms, or a linear alkenyl group having 2 to 5carbon atoms.

To stabilize the nematic phase, it is preferable that R^(N11) to R^(N32)are each independently a group in which the total number of carbon atomsand oxygen atoms (if present) is 5 or less, and it is also preferablethat R^(N11) to R^(N32) are each linear.

The alkenyl group is preferably a group selected from the groupconsisting of groups represented by the following formulas (R1) to (R5).

In each of the above formulas, each solid circle PGP, represents a bond.

To increase the refractive index anisotropy (Δn) of the liquid crystalmolecules, A^(N11) to A^(N32) are each independently preferably anaromatic group. To improve the response speed of the liquid crystalmolecules, A^(N11) to A^(N32) are each independently preferably analiphatic group.

The aromatic group and the aliphatic group are each preferably atrans-1,4-cyclohexylene group, a 1,4-phenylene group, a2-fluoro-1,4-phenylene group, a 3-fluoro-1,4-phenylene group, a3,5-difluoro-1,4-phenylene group, a 2,3-difluoro-1,4-phenylene group, a1,4-cyclohexenylene group, a 1,4-bicyclo[2.2.2]octylene group, apiperidine-1,4-diyl group, a naphthalene-2,6-diyl group, adecahydronaphthalene-2,6-diyl group, or a1,2,3,4-tetrahydronaphthalene-2,6-diyl group, more preferably any ofstructures represented by Chem. 42 below, and still more preferably atrans-1,4-cyclohexylene group, a 1,4-cyclohexenylene group, or a1,4-phenylene group.

Z^(N11) to Z^(N32) are each independently preferably —CH₂O—, —CF₂O—,—CH₂CH₂—, —CF₂CF₂—, or a single bond, more preferably —CH₂O—, —CH₂CH₂—,or a single bond, and particularly preferably —CH₂O— or a single bond.

X^(N21) is preferably a fluorine atom.

T^(N31) is preferably an oxygen atom.

n^(N11)+n^(N12), n^(N21)+n^(N22), and n^(N31)+n^(N32) are eachindependently preferably 1 or 2, and a combination of n^(N11)=1 andn^(N12)=0, a combination of n^(N11)=2 and n^(N12)=0, a combination ofn^(N11)=1 and n^(N12)=1, a combination of n^(N11)=2 and n^(N12)=1, acombination of n^(N21)=1 and n^(N22)=0, a combination of n^(N21)=2 andn^(N22)=0, a combination of n^(N31)=1 and n^(N32)=0, and a combinationof n^(N3)1=2 and n^(N32)=0 are more preferred.

The amount of each of the compounds represented by general formula (N-1)to (N-3) and contained in the liquid crystal composition is preferablyas follows. Specifically, the lower limit of the amount is preferably 1%by mass, 10% by mass, 20% by mass, 30% by mass, 40% by mass, 50% bymass, 55% by mass, 60% by mass, 65% by mass, 70% by mass, 75% by mass,or 80% by mass. The upper limit of the amount is preferably 95% by mass,85% by mass, 75% by mass, 65% by mass, 55% by mass, 45% by mass, 35% bymass, 25% by mass, or 20% by mass.

To increase the response speed of the liquid crystal composition whileits viscosity (η) is kept low, it is preferable that the lower limit ofthe amount of each of the compounds represented by general formula (N-1)to (N-3) is low and the upper limit is also low. Moreover, to improvethe temperature stability of the liquid crystal composition while thenematic phase-isotropic liquid phase transition temperature (Tni) iskept high, it is preferable that the lower limit of the amount is lowand the upper limit is also low. To increase the dielectric anisotropy(Δε) of the liquid crystal composition in order to keep the drivingvoltage of the liquid crystal display device low, it is preferable thatthe lower limit of the amount is high and the upper limit is also high.

Examples of the compound represented by general formula (N-1) includecompounds represented by the following general formulas (N-1a) to(N-1g).

In the above formulas, R^(N11) and R^(N12) have the same meanings asR^(N11) and R^(N12), respectively, in general formula (N-1).

n^(Na11), n^(Nb11), n^(Nc11), and n^(Nd11) each independently represent0 to 2.

n^(Ne11), n^(Nf11), and n^(Ng11) each independently represent 1 or 2.

A^(Ne11) represents a trans-1,4-cyclohexylene group or a 1,4-phenylenegroup.

A^(Ng11) represents a trans-1,4-cyclohexylene group, a1,4-cyclohexenylene group, or a 1,4-phenylene group, and at least oneA^(Ng11) is a 1,4-cyclohexenylene group.

Z^(Ne11) represents a single bond or an ethylene group, and at least oneZ^(Ne11) is an ethylene group.

In general formulas (N-1a) to (N-1g) above, n^(Na11) representspreferably 0 or 1. n^(Nb11) represents preferably 1 or 2. n^(Nc11)represents preferably 0 or 1. n^(Nd11) represents preferably 1 or 2.n^(Ne11) represents preferably 1 or 2. n^(Nf11) represents preferably 1or 2. n^(Ng11) represents preferably 1 or 2. In general formulas (N-1e)and (N-1g) above, a plurality of A^(Ne11)s, a plurality of Z^(Ne11)s,and/or a plurality of A^(Ng11)s present in the molecules may be the sameor different.

More specifically, the compound represented by general formula (N-1) ispreferably a compound represented by any of general formulas (N-1-1) to(N-1-5) below, general formulas (N-1-10) to (N-1-18) below, and generalformulas (N-1-20) to (N-1-22) below.

The compound represented by general formula (N-1-1) is the followingcompound.

In the above formula, R^(N111) and R^(N112) have the same meanings asR^(N11) and R^(N12), respectively, in general formula (N-1).

R^(N111) is preferably an alkyl group having 1 to 5 carbon atoms or analkenyl group having 2 to 5 carbon atoms and more preferably a propylgroup, a pentyl group, or a vinyl group.

R^(N112) is preferably an alkyl group having 1 to 5 carbon atoms, analkenyl group having 4 to 5 carbon atoms, or an alkoxy group having 1 to4 carbon atoms and more preferably an ethoxy group or a butoxy group.

One compound represented by general formula (N-1-1) may be used alone,or a combination of two or more compounds represented by general formula(N-1-1) may be used. No particular limitation is imposed on the types ofcompounds combined, and suitable compounds are selected according to thedesired properties such as low temperature solubility, transitiontemperature, electrical reliability, and birefringence. The number ofcompounds used in, for example, 1, 2, 3, 4, or 5 or more.

The amount of the compound represented by general formula (N-1-1) andcontained in the liquid crystal composition is preferably as follows.Specifically, the lower limit of the amount is preferably 5% by mass,10% by mass, 13% by mass, 15% by mass, 17% by mass, 20% by mass, 23% bymass, 25% by mass, 27% by mass, 30% by mass, 33% by mass, or 35% bymass. The upper limit of the amount is preferably 50% by mass, 40% bymass, 38% by mass, 35% by mass, 33% by mass, 30% by mass, 28% by mass,25% by mass, 23% by mass, 20% by mass, 18% by mass, 15% by mass, 13% bymass, 10% by mass, 8% by mass, 7% by mass, 6% by mass, 5% by mass, or 3%by mass.

When importance is placed on an improvement in Δε, it is preferable thatthe amount of the compound represented by general formula (N-1-1) is setto be high. When importance is placed on low temperature solubility,setting the amount of the compound to be higher is highly effective.When importance is placed on Tni, setting the amount of the compound tobe lower is highly effective. To improve droplet marks andimage-sticking characteristics, it is preferable to set the amount ofthe compound represented by general formula (N-1-1) within anintermediate range between the above ranges.

The compound represented by general formula (N-1-1) is preferably acompound represented by any of the following formulas (N-1-1.1) to(N-1-1.4), formulas (N-1-1.11) to (N-1-1.14) and (N-1-1.20) to(N-1-1.22), more preferably a compound represented by any of formulas(N-1-1.1) to (N-1-1.4), and still more preferably a compound representedby any of formulas (N-1-1.1) and (N-1-1.3).

The compound represented by general formula (N-1-2) is the followingcompound.

In the above formula, R^(N121) and R^(N122) have the same meanings asR^(N11) and R^(N12), respectively, in general formula (N-1).

R^(N121) is preferably an alkyl group having 1 to 5 carbon atoms or analkenyl group having 2 to 5 carbon atoms and more preferably an ethylgroup, a propyl group, a butyl group, or a pentyl group.

R^(N122) is preferably an alkyl group having 1 to 5 carbon atoms, analkenyl group having 4 to 5 carbon atoms, or an alkoxy group having 1 to4 carbon atoms and more preferably a methyl group, a propyl group, amethoxy group, an ethoxy group, or a propoxy group.

One compound represented by general formula (N-1-2) may be used alone,or a combination of two or more compounds represented by general formula(N-1-2) may be used. No particular limitation is imposed on the types ofcompounds combined, and suitable compounds are selected according to thedesired properties such as low temperature solubility, transitiontemperature, electrical reliability, and birefringence. The number ofcompounds used in, for example, 1, 2, 3, 4, or 5 or more.

The amount of the compound represented by general formula (N-1-2) andcontained in the liquid crystal composition is preferably as follows.Specifically, the lower limit of the amount is preferably 5% by mass, 7%by mass, 10% by mass, 13% by mass, 15% by mass, 17% by mas, 20% by mass,23% by mass, 25% by mass, 27% by mass, 30% by mass, 33% by mass, 35% bymass, 37% by mass, 40% by mass, or 42% by mass. The upper limit of theamount is preferably 50% by mass, 48% by mass, 45% by mass, 43% by mass,40% by mass, 38% by mass, 35% by mass, 33% by mass, 30% by mass, 28% bymass, 25% by mass, 23% by mass, 20% by mass, 18% by mass, 15% by mass,13% by mass, 10% by mass, 8% by mass, 7% by mass, 6% by mass, or 5% bymass.

When importance is placed on an improvement in Δε, it is preferable thatthe amount of the compound represented by general formula (N-1-2) is setto be high. When importance is placed on low temperature solubility,setting the amount of the compound to be lower is highly effective. Whenimportance is placed on Tni, setting the amount of the compound to behigher is highly effective. To improve droplet marks and image-stickingcharacteristics, it is preferable to set the amount of the compoundrepresented by general formula (N-1-2) within an intermediate rangebetween the above ranges.

The compound represented by general formula (N-1-2) is preferably acompound represented by any of the following formulas (N-1-2.1) to(N-1-2.7), formulas (N-1-2.10) to (N-1-2.13), and formulas (N-1-2.20) to(N-1-2.22) and more preferably a compound represented by any of formulas(N-1-2.3) to (N-1-2.7), formula (N-1-2.10), formula (N-1-2.11), formula(N-1-2.13), and formula (N-1-2.20).

When importance is placed on an improvement in Δε, the compoundsrepresented by formulas (N-1-2.3) to (N-1-2.7) are preferred. Whenimportance is placed on an improvement in Tni, the compounds representedby formula (N-1-2.10), formula (N-1-2.11), and formula (N-1-2.13) arepreferred. When importance is placed on an improvement in responsespeed, the compound represented by formula (N-1-2.20) is preferred.

The compound represented by general formula (N-1-3) is the followingcompound.

In the above formula, R^(N131) and R^(N132) have the same meanings asR^(N11) and R^(N12), respectively, in general formula (N-1).

R^(N131) is preferably an alkyl group having 1 to 5 carbon atoms or analkenyl group having 2 to 5 carbon atoms and more preferably an ethylgroup, a propyl group, or a butyl group.

R^(N132) is preferably an alkyl group having 1 to 5 carbon atoms, analkenyl group having 3 to 5 carbon atoms, or an alkoxy group having 1 to4 carbon atoms and more preferably a 1-propenyl group, an ethoxy group,a propoxy group, or a butoxy group.

One compound represented by general formula (N-1-3) may be used alone,or a combination of two or more compounds represented by general formula(N-1-3) may be used. No particular limitation is imposed on the types ofcompounds combined, and suitable compounds are selected according to thedesired properties such as low temperature solubility, transitiontemperature, electrical reliability, and birefringence. The number ofcompounds used in, for example, 1, 2, 3, 4, or 5 or more.

The amount of the compound represented by general formula (N-1-3) andcontained in the liquid crystal composition is preferably as follows.Specifically, the lower limit of the amount is preferably 5% by mass,10% by mass, 13% by mass, 15% by mass, 17% by mass, or 20% by mass. Theupper limit of the amount is preferably 35% by mass, 30% by mass, 28% bymans, 25% by mass, 23% by mass, 20% by mass, 18% by mass, 15% by mass,or 13% by mass.

When importance is placed on an improvement in Δε, it is preferable thatthe amount of the compound represented by general formula (N-1-3) is setto be high. When importance is placed on low temperature solubility,setting the amount of the compound to be higher is highly effective.When importance is placed on Tni, setting the amount of the compound tobe higher is highly effective. To improve droplet marks andimage-sticking characteristics, it is preferable to set the amount ofthe compound represented by general formula (N-1-3) within anintermediate range between the above ranges.

The compound represented by general formula (N-1-3) is preferably acompound represented by any of the following formulas (N-1-3.1) to(N-1-3.7), formula (N-1-3.10), formula (N-1-3.11), formula (N-1-3.20),and formula (N-1-3.21), more preferably a compound represented by any offormulas (N-1-3.1) to (N-1-3.7) and formula (N-1-3.21), and still morepreferably a compound represented by any of formulas (N-1-3.1) to(N-1-3.4) and formula (N-1-3.6).

One of the compounds represented by formulas (N-1-3.1) to (N-1-3.4),formula (N-1-3.6), and formula (N-1-3.21) may be used alone, or two ormore of them may be used in combination. In particular, a combination ofthe compound represented by formula (N-1-3.1) and the compoundrepresented by formula (N-1-3.2) and a combination of two or threecompounds selected from the compound represented by formula (N-1-3.3),the compound represented by formula (N-1-3.4), and the compoundrepresented by formula (N-1-3.6) are preferred.

The compound represented by general formula (N-1-4) is the followingcompound.

In the above formula, R^(N141) and R^(N142) have the same meanings asR^(N11) and R^(N12), respectively, in general formula (N-1).

R^(N141) and R^(N142) are each independently preferably an alkyl grouphaving 1 to 5 carbon atoms, an alkenyl group having 4 to 5 carbon atoms,or an alkoxy group having 1 to 4 carbon atoms and more preferably amethyl group, a propyl group, an ethoxy group, or a butoxy group.

One compound represented by general formula (N-1-4) may be used alone,or a combination of two or more compounds represented by general formula(N-1-4) may be used. No particular limitation is imposed on the types ofcompounds combined, and suitable compounds are selected according to thedesired properties such as low temperature solubility, transitiontemperature, electrical reliability, and birefringence. The number ofcompounds used is, for example, 1, 2, 3, 4, or 5 or more.

The amount of the compound represented by general formula (N-1-4) andcontained in the liquid crystal composition is preferably as follows.Specifically, the lower limit of the amount is preferably 3% by mass, 5%by mass, 7% by mass, 10% by mass, 13% by mass, 15% by mass, 17% by mass,or 20% by mass. The upper limit of the amount is preferably 35% by mass,30% by mass, 28% by mass, 25% by mass, 23% by mass, 20% by mass, 18% bymass, 15% by mass, 13% by mass, 11% by mass, 10% by mass, or 8% by mass.

When importance is placed on an improvement in Δε, it is preferable thatthe amount of the compound represented by general formula (N-1-4) is setto be high. When importance is placed on low temperature solubility,setting the amount of the compound to be higher is highly effective.When importance is placed on T_(ni), setting the amount of the compoundto be lower is highly effective. To improve droplet marks andimage-sticking characteristics, it is preferable to set the amount ofthe compound represented by general formula (N-1-4) within anintermediate range between the above ranges.

The compound represented by general formula (N-1-4) is preferably acompound represented by any of the following formulas (N-1-4.1) to(N-1-4.4) and formulas (N-1-4.11) to (N-1-4.14), more preferably acompound represented by any of formulas (N-1-4.1) to (N-1-4.4), andstill more preferably a compound represented by formula (N-1-4.1),formula (N-1-4.2), or formula (N-1-4.4).

The compound represented by general formula (N-1-5) is the followingcompound.

In the above formula, R^(N151) and R^(N152) have the same meanings asR^(N11) and R^(N12), respectively, in general formula (N-1).

R^(N151) and R^(N152) are each independently preferably an alkyl grouphaving 1 to 5 carbon atoms, an alkenyl group having 4 to 5 carbon atoms,or an alkoxy group having 1 to 4 carbon atoms and more preferably anethyl group, a propyl group, or a butyl group.

One compound represented by general formula (N-1-5) may be used alone,or a combination of two or more compounds represented by general formula(N-1-5) may be used. No particular limitation is imposed on the types ofcompounds combined, and suitable compounds are selected according to thedesired properties such as low temperature solubility, transitiontemperature, electrical reliability, and birefringence. The number ofcompounds used is, for example, 1, 2, 3, 4, or 5 or more.

The amount of the compound represented by general formula (N-1-5) andcontained in the liquid crystal composition is preferably as follows.Specifically, the lower limit of the amount is preferably 5% by mass, 8%by mass, 10% by mass, 13% by mass, 15% by mass, 17% by mass, or 20% bymass. The upper limit of the amount is preferably 35% by mass, 33% bymass, 30% by mass, 28% by mass, 25% by mass, 23% by mass, 20% by mass,18% by mass, 15% by mass, or 13% by mass.

When importance is placed on an improvement in Δε, it is preferable thatthe amount of the compound represented by general formula (N-1-5) is setto be high. When importance is placed on low temperature solubility,setting the amount of the compound to be lower is highly effective. Whenimportance is placed on Tni, setting the amount of the compound to behigher is highly effective. To improve droplet marks and image-stickingcharacteristics, it is preferable to set the amount of the compoundrepresented by general formula (N-1-5) within an intermediate rangebetween the above ranges.

The compound represented by general formula (N-1-5) is preferably acompound represented by any of the following formulas (N-1-5.1) to(N-1-5.6) and more preferably a compound represented by formula(N-1-5.1), formula (N-1-5.2), or formula (N-1-5.4).

The compound represented by general formula (N-1-10) is the followingcompound.

In the above formula, R^(N1101) and R^(N1102) have the same meanings asR^(N11) and R^(N12), respectively, in general formula (N-1).

R^(N1101) is preferably an alkyl group having 1 to 5 carbon atoms or analkenyl group having 2 to 5 carbon atoms and more preferably an ethylgroup, a propyl group, a butyl group, a vinyl group, or a 1-propenylgroup.

R^(N1102) is preferably an alkyl group having 1 to 5 carbon atoms, analkenyl group having 4 to 5 carbon atoms, or an alkoxy group having 1 to4 carbon atoms and more preferably an ethoxy group, a propoxy group, ora butoxy group.

One compound represented by general formula (N-1-10) may be used alone,or a combination of two or more compounds represented by general formula(N-1-10) may be used. No particular limitation is imposed on the typesof compounds combined, and suitable compounds are selected according tothe desired properties such as low temperature solubility, transitiontemperature, electrical reliability, and birefringence. The number ofcompounds used is, for example, 1, 2, 3, 4, or 5 or more.

The amount of the compound represented by general formula (N-1-10) andcontained in the liquid crystal composition is preferably as follows.Specifically, the lower limit of the amount is preferably 5% by mass,10% by mass, 13% by mass, 15% by mass, 17% by mass, or 20% by mass. Theupper limit of the amount is preferably 35% by mass, 30% by mass, 28% bymass, 25% by mass, 23% by mass, 20% by mass, 18% by mass, 15% by mass,or 13% by mass.

When importance is placed on an improvement in Δε, it is preferable thatthe amount of the compound represented by general formula (N-1-10) isset to be high. When importance is placed on low temperature solubility,setting the amount of the compound to be higher is highly effective.When importance is placed on Tni, setting the amount of the compound tobe higher is highly effective. To improve droplet marks andimage-sticking characteristics, it is preferable to set the amount ofthe compound represented by general formula (N-1-10) within anintermediate range between the above ranges.

The compound represented by general formula (N-1-10) is preferably acompound represented by any of the following formulas (N-1-10.1) to(N-1-10.5) and formulas (N-1-10.11) to (N-1-10.14), more preferably acompound represented by any of formulas (N-1-10.1) to (N-1-10.5), andstill more preferably a compound represented by formula (N-1-10.1) orformula (N-1-10.2).

The compound represented by general formula (N-1-11) is the followingcompound.

In the above formula, R^(N111) and R^(N112) have the same meanings asR^(N11) and R^(N12), respectively, in general formula (N-1).

R^(N1111) is preferably an alkyl group having 1 to 5 carbon atoms or analkenyl group having 2 to 5 carbon atoms and more preferably an ethylgroup, a propyl group, a butyl group, a vinyl group, or a 1-propenylgroup.

R^(N1112) is preferably an alkyl group having 1 to 5 carbon atoms, analkenyl group having 4 to 5 carbon atoms, or an alkoxy group having 1 to4 carbon atoms and more preferably an ethoxy group, a propoxy group, ora butoxy group.

One compound represented by general formula (N-1-11) may be used alone,or a combination of two or more compounds represented by general formula(N-1-11) may be used. No particular limitation is imposed on the typesof compounds combined, and suitable compounds are selected according tothe desired properties such as low temperature solubility, transitiontemperature, electrical reliability, and birefringence. The number ofcompounds used is, for example, 1, 2, 3, 4, or 5 or more.

The amount of the compound represented by general formula (N-1-11) andcontained in the liquid crystal composition is preferably as follows.Specifically, the lower limit of the amount is preferably 5% by mass,10% by mass, 13% by mass, 15% by mass, 17% by mass, or 20% by mass. Theupper limit of the amount is preferably 35% by mass, 30% by mass, 28% bymass, 25% by mass, 23% by mass, 20% by mass, 18% by mass, 15% by mass,or 13% by mass.

When importance is placed on an improvement in Δε, it is preferable thatthe amount of the compound represented by general formula (N-1-11) isset to be high. When importance is placed on low temperature solubility,setting the amount of the compound to be lower is highly effective. Whenimportance is placed on Tni, setting the amount of the compound to behigher is highly effective. To improve droplet marks and image-stickingcharacteristics, it is preferable to set the amount of the compoundrepresented by general formula (N-1-11) within an intermediate rangebetween the above ranges.

The compound represented by general formula (N-1-11) is preferably acompound represented by any of the following formulas (N-1-11.1) to(N-1-11.5) and formulas (N-1-11.11) to (N-1-11.14), more preferably acompound represented by any of formulas (N-1-11.1) to (N-1-11.5), andstill more preferably a compound represented by formula (N-1-11.2) orformula (N-1-11.4).

The compound represented by general formula (N-1-12) is the followingcompound.

In the above formula, R^(N1121) and R^(N1122) have the same meanings asR^(N11) and R^(N12), respectively, in general formula (N-1).

R^(N1121) is preferably an alkyl group having 1 to 5 carbon atoms or analkenyl group having 2 to 5 carbon atoms and more preferably an ethylgroup, a propyl group, or a butyl group.

R^(N1122) is preferably an alkyl group having 1 to 5 carbon atoms, analkenyl group having 4 to 5 carbon atoms, or an alkoxy group having 1 to4 carbon atoms and more preferably an ethoxy group, a propoxy group, ora butoxy group.

One compound represented by general formula (N-1-12) may be used alone,or a combination of two or more compounds represented by general formula(N-1-12) may be used. No particular limitation is imposed on the typesof compounds combined, and suitable compounds are selected according tothe desired properties such as low temperature solubility, transitiontemperature, electrical reliability, and birefringence. The number ofcompounds used is, for example, 1, 2, 3, 4, or 5 or more.

The amount of the compound represented by general formula (N-1-12) andcontained in the liquid crystal composition is preferably as follows.Specifically, the lower limit of the amount is preferably 5% by mass,10% by mass, 13% by mass, 15% by mass, 17% by mass, or 20% by mass. Theupper limit of the amount is preferably 35% by mass, 30% by mass, 28% bymass, 25% by mass, 23% by mass, 20% by mass, 18% by mass, 15% by mass,or 13% by mass.

When importance is placed on an improvement in Δε, it is preferable thatthe amount of the compound represented by general formula (N-1-12) isset to be high. When importance is placed on low temperature solubility,setting the amount of the compound to be higher is highly effective.When importance is placed on Tni, setting the amount of the compound tobe higher is highly effective. To improve droplet marks andimage-sticking characteristics, it is preferable to set the amount ofthe compound represented by general formula (N-1-12) within anintermediate range between the above ranges.

The compound represented by general formula (N-1-13) is the followingcompound.

In the above formula, R^(N1131) and R^(N1132) have the same meanings asR^(N11) and R^(N12), respectively, in general formula (N-1).

R^(N1131) is preferably an alkyl group having 1 to 5 carbon atoms or analkenyl group having 2 to 5 carbon atoms and more preferably an ethylgroup, a propyl group, or a butyl group.

R^(N1132) is preferably an alkyl group having 1 to 5 carbon atoms, analkenyl group having 4 to 5 carbon atoms, or an alkoxy group having 1 to4 carbon atoms and more preferably an ethoxy group, a propoxy group, ora butoxy group.

One compound represented by general formula (N-1-13) may be used alone,or a combination of two or more compounds represented by general formula(N-1-13) may be used. No particular limitation is imposed on the typesof compounds combined, and suitable compounds are selected according tothe desired properties such as low temperature solubility, transitiontemperature, electrical reliability, and birefringence. The number ofcompounds used is, for example, 1, 2, 3, 4, or 5 or more.

The amount of the compound represented by general formula (N-1-13) andcontained in the liquid crystal composition is preferably as follows.Specifically, the lower limit of the amount is preferably 5% by mass,10% by mass, 13% by mass, 15% by mass, 17% by mass, or 20% by mass. Theupper limit of the amount is preferably 35% by mass, 30% by mass, 28% bymass, 25% by mass, 23% by mass, 20% by mass, 18% by mass, 15% by mass,or 13% by mass.

When importance is placed on an improvement in Δε, it is preferable thatthe amount of the compound represented by general formula (N-1-13) isset to be high. When importance is placed on low temperature solubility,setting the amount of the compound to be higher is highly effective.When importance is placed on Tni, setting the amount of the compound tobe higher is highly effective. To improve droplet marks andimage-sticking characteristics, it is preferable to set the amount ofthe compound represented by general formula (N-1-13) within anintermediate range between the above ranges.

The compound represented by general formula (N-1-14) is the followingcompound.

In the above formula, R^(N1141) and R^(N1142) have the same meanings asR^(N11) and R^(N12), respectively, in general formula (N-1).

R^(N1141) is preferably an alkyl group having 1 to 5 carbon atoms or analkenyl group having 2 to 5 carbon atoms and more preferably an ethylgroup, a propyl group, or a butyl group.

R^(N1142) is preferably an alkyl group having 1 to 5 carbon atoms, analkenyl group having 4 to 5 carbon atoms, or an alkoxy group having 1 to4 carbon atoms and more preferably an ethoxy group, a propoxy group, ora butoxy group.

One compound represented by general formula (N-1-14) may be used alone,or a combination of two or more compounds represented by general formula(N-1-14) may be used. No particular limitation is imposed on the typesof compounds combined, and suitable compounds are selected according tothe desired properties such as low temperature solubility, transitiontemperature, electrical reliability, and birefringence. The number ofcompounds used is, for example, 1, 2, 3, 4, or 5 or more.

The amount of the compound represented by general formula (N-1-14) andcontained in the liquid crystal composition is preferably as follows.Specifically, the lower limit of the amount is preferably 5% by mass,10% by mass, 13% by mass, 15% by mass, 17% by mass, or 20% by mass. Theupper limit of the amount is preferably 35% by mass, 30% by mass, 28% bymass, 25% by mass, 23% by mass, 20% by mass, 18% by mass, 15% by mass,or 13% by mass.

When importance in placed on an improvement in Δε, it in preferable thatthe amount of the compound represented by general formula (N-1-14) isset to be high. When importance in placed on low temperature solubility,setting the amount of the compound to be higher is highly effective.When importance is placed on Tni, setting the amount of the compound tobe higher is highly effective. To improve droplet marks andimage-sticking characteristics, it in preferable to set the amount ofthe compound represented by general formula (N-1-14) within anintermediate range between the above ranges.

The compound represented by general formula (N-1-15) is the followingcompound.

In the above formula, R^(N1151) and R^(N1152) have the same meanings asR^(N11) and R^(N12), respectively, in general formula (N-1).

R^(N1151) in preferably an alkyl group having 1 to 5 carbon atoms or analkenyl group having 2 to 5 carbon atoms and more preferably an ethylgroup, a propyl group, or a butyl group.

R^(N1152) in preferably an alkyl group having 1 to 5 carbon atoms, analkenyl group having 4 to 5 carbon atoms, or an alkoxy group having 1 to4 carbon atoms and more preferably an ethoxy group, a propoxy group, ora butoxy group.

One compound represented by general formula (N-1-15) may be used alone,or a combination of two or more compounds represented by general formula(N-1-15) may be used. No particular limitation is imposed on the typesof compounds combined, and suitable compounds are selected according tothe desired properties such as low temperature solubility, transitiontemperature, electrical reliability, and birefringence. The number ofcompounds used in, for example, 1, 2, 3, 4, or 5 or more.

The amount of the compound represented by general formula (N-1-15) andcontained in the liquid crystal composition is preferably as follows.Specifically, the lower limit of the amount is preferably 5% by mass,10% by mass, 13% by mass, 15% by mass, 17% by mass, or 20% by mass. Theupper limit of the amount is preferably 35% by mass, 30% by mass, 28% bymass, 25% by mass, 23% by mass, 20% by mass, 18% by mass, 15% by mass,or 13% by mass.

When importance is placed on an improvement in Δε, it is preferable thatthe amount of the compound represented by general formula (N-1-15) isset to be high. When importance in placed on low temperature solubility,setting the amount of the compound to be higher is highly effective.When importance is placed on Tni, setting the amount of the compound tobe higher is highly effective. To improve droplet marks andimage-sticking characteristics, it in preferable to set the amount ofthe compound represented by general formula (N-1-15) within anintermediate range between the above ranges.

The compound represented by general formula (N-1-16) is the followingcompound.

In the above formula, R^(N1161) and R^(N1162) have the same meanings asR^(N11) and R^(N12), respectively, in general formula (N-1).

R^(N1161) is preferably an alkyl group having 1 to 5 carbon atoms or analkenyl group having 2 to 5 carbon atoms and more preferably an ethylgroup, a propyl group, or a butyl group.

R^(N1162) is preferably an alkyl group having 1 to 5 carbon atoms, analkenyl group having 4 to 5 carbon atoms, or an alkoxy group having 1 to4 carbon atoms and more preferably an ethoxy group, a propoxy group, ora butoxy group.

One compound represented by general formula (N-1-16) may be used alone,or a combination of two or more compounds represented by general formula(N-1-16) may be used. No particular limitation is imposed on the typesof compounds combined, and suitable compounds are selected according tothe desired properties such as low temperature solubility, transitiontemperature, electrical reliability, and birefringence. The number ofcompounds used in, for example, 1, 2, 3, 4, or 5 or more.

The amount of the compound represented by general formula (N-1-16) andcontained in the liquid crystal composition is preferably as follows.Specifically, the lower limit of the amount is preferably 5% by mass,10% by mass, 13% by mass, 15% by mass, 17% by mass, or 20% by mass. Theupper limit of the amount is preferably 35% by mass, 30% by mass, 28% bymass, 25% by mass, 23% by mass, 20% by mass, 18% by mass, 15% by mass,or 13% by mass.

When importance is placed on an improvement in Δε, it is preferable thatthe amount of the compound represented by general formula (N-1-16) isset to be high. When importance is placed on low temperature solubility,setting the amount of the compound to be higher is highly effective.When importance is placed on Tni, setting the amount of the compound tobe higher is highly effective. To improve droplet marks andimage-sticking characteristics, it in preferable to set the amount ofthe compound represented by general formula (N-1-16) within anintermediate range between the above ranges.

The compound represented by general formula (N-1-17) in the followingcompound.

In the above formula, R^(N1171) and R^(N1172) have the same meanings asR^(N11) and R^(N12), respectively, in general formula (N-1).

R^(N1171) is preferably an alkyl group having 1 to 5 carbon atoms or analkenyl group having 2 to 5 carbon atoms and more preferably an ethylgroup, a propyl group, or a butyl group.

R^(N1172) is preferably an alkyl group having 1 to 5 carbon atoms, analkenyl group having 4 to 5 carbon atoms, or an alkoxy group having 1 to4 carbon atoms and more preferably an ethoxy group, a propoxy group, ora butoxy group.

One compound represented by general formula (N-1-17) may be used alone,or a combination of two or more compounds represented by general formula(N-1-17) may be used. No particular limitation is imposed on the typesof compounds combined, and suitable compounds are selected according tothe desired properties such as low temperature solubility, transitiontemperature, electrical reliability, and birefringence. The number ofcompounds used is, for example, 1, 2, 3, 4, or 5 or more.

The amount of the compound represented by general formula (N-1-17) andcontained in the liquid crystal composition is preferably as follows.Specifically, the lower limit of the amount is preferably 5% by mass,10% by mass, 13% by mass, 15% by mass, 17% by mass, or 20% by mass. Theupper limit of the amount is preferably 35% by mass, 30% by mass, 28% bymass, 25% by mass, 23% by mass, 20% by mass, 18% by mass, 15% by mass,or 13% by mass.

When importance is placed on an improvement in Δε, it is preferable thatthe amount of the compound represented by general formula (N-1-17) isset to be high. When importance is placed on low temperature solubility,setting the amount of the compound to be higher is highly effective.When importance is placed on Tni, setting the amount of the compound tobe higher is highly effective. To improve droplet marks andimage-sticking characteristics, it is preferable to set the amount ofthe compound represented by general formula (N-1-17) within anintermediate range between the above ranges.

The compound represented by general formula (N-1-18) is the followingcompound.

In the above formula, R^(N1181) and R^(N1182) have the same meanings asR^(N11) and R^(N12), respectively, in general formula (N-1).

R^(N1181) is preferably an alkyl group having 1 to 5 carbon atoms or analkenyl group having 2 to 5 carbon atoms and more preferably a methylgroup, an ethyl group, a propyl group, or a butyl group.

R^(N1182) is preferably an alkyl group having 1 to 5 carbon atoms, analkenyl group having 4 to 5 carbon atoms, or an alkoxy group having 1 to4 carbon atoms and more preferably an ethoxy group, a propoxy group, ora butoxy group.

One compound represented by general formula (N-1-18) may be used alone,or a combination of two or more compounds represented by general formula(N-1-18) may be used. No particular limitation is imposed on the typesof compounds combined, and suitable compounds are selected according tothe desired properties such as low temperature solubility, transitiontemperature, electrical reliability, and birefringence. The number ofcompounds used is, for example, 1, 2, 3, 4, or 5 or more.

The amount of the compound represented by general formula (N-1-18) andcontained in the liquid crystal composition is preferably as follows.Specifically, the lower limit of the amount is preferably 5% by mass,10% mass, 13% by mass, 15% by mass, 17% by mass, or 20% by mass. Theupper limit of the amount is preferably 35% by mass, 30% by mass, 28% bymass, 25% by mass, 23% by mass, 20% by mass, 18% by mass, 15% by mass,or 13% by mass.

When importance is placed on an improvement in Δε, it is preferable thatthe amount of the compound represented by general formula (N-1-18) isset to be high. When importance is placed on low temperature solubility,setting the amount of the compound to be higher is highly effective.When importance is placed on Tni, setting the amount of the compound tobe higher is highly effective. To improve droplet marks andimage-sticking characteristics, it is preferable to set the amount ofthe compound represented by general formula (N-1-18) within anintermediate range between the above ranges.

The compound represented by general formula (N-1-18) is preferably acompound represented by any of the following formulas (N-1-18.1) to(N-1-18.5), more preferably a compound represented by any of formulas(N-1-18.1) to (N-1-18.3), and still more preferably a compoundrepresented by formula (N-1-18.2) or formula (N-1-18.3).

The compound represented by general formula (N-1-20) is the followingcompound.

In the above formula, R^(N1201) and R^(N1202) have the same meanings asR^(N11) and R^(N12), respectively, in general formula (N-1).

R^(N1201) and R^(N1202) are each independently preferably an alkyl grouphaving 1 to 5 carbon atoms or an alkenyl group having 2 to 5 carbonatoms and more preferably an ethyl group, a propyl group, or a butylgroup.

One compound represented by general formula (N-1-20) may be used alone,or a combination of two or more compounds represented by general formula(N-1-20) may be used. No particular limitation is imposed on the typesof compounds combined, and suitable compounds are selected according tothe desired properties such as low temperature solubility, transitiontemperature, electrical reliability, and birefringence. The number ofcompounds used is, for example, 1, 2, 3, 4, or 5 or more.

The amount of the compound represented by general formula (N-1-20) andcontained in the liquid crystal composition is preferably as follows.Specifically, the lower limit of the amount is preferably 5% by mass,10% by mass, 13% by mass, 15% by mass, 17% by mass, or 20% by mass. Theupper limit of the amount is preferably 35% by mass, 30% by mass, 28% bymass, 25% by mass, 23% by mass, 20% by mass, 18% by mass, 15% by mass,or 13% by mass.

When importance is placed on an improvement in Δε, it is preferable thatthe amount of the compound represented by general formula (N-1-20) isset to be high. When importance is placed on low temperature solubility,setting the amount of the compound to be higher is highly effective.When importance is placed on Tni, setting the amount of the compound tobe higher is highly effective. To improve droplet marks andimage-sticking characteristics, it is preferable to set the amount ofthe compound represented by general formula (N-1-20) within anintermediate range between the above ranges.

The compound represented by general formula (N-1-21) is the followingcompound.

R^(N1211) and R^(N1212) are each independently preferably an alkyl grouphaving 1 to 5 carbon atoms or an alkenyl group having 2 to 5 carbonatoms and more preferably an ethyl group, a propyl group, or a butylgroup.

One compound represented by general formula (N-1-21) may be used alone,or a combination of two or more compounds represented by general formula(N-1-21) may be used. No particular limitation is imposed on the typesof compounds combined, and suitable compounds are selected according tothe desired properties such as low temperature solubility, transitiontemperature, electrical reliability, and birefringence. The number ofcompounds used in, for example, 1, 2, 3, 4, or 5 or more.

The amount of the compound represented by general formula (N-1-21) andcontained in the liquid crystal composition is preferably as follows.Specifically, the lower limit of the amount is preferably 5% by mass,10% by mass, 13% by mass, 15% by mass, 17% by mass, or 20% by mass. Theupper limit of the amount is preferably 35% by mass, 30% by mass, 28% bymass, 25% by mass, 23% by mass, 20% by mass, 18% by mass, 15% by mass,or 13% by mass.

When importance is placed on an improvement in Δε, it is preferable thatthe amount of the compound represented by general formula (N-1-21) isset to be high. When importance is placed on low temperature solubility,setting the amount of the compound to be higher is highly effective.When importance is placed on Tni, setting the amount of the compound tobe higher is highly effective. To improve droplet marks andimage-sticking characteristics, it is preferable to set the amount ofthe compound represented by general formula (N-1-21) within anintermediate range between the above ranges.

The compound represented by general formula (N-1-22) is the followingcompound.

In the above formula, R^(N1221) and R^(N1222) have the same meanings asR^(N11) and R^(N12), respectively, in general formula (N-1).

R^(N1221) and R^(N1222) are each independently preferably an alkyl grouphaving 1 to 5 carbon atoms or an alkenyl group having 2 to 5 carbonatoms and more preferably an ethyl group, a propyl group, or a butylgroup.

One compound represented by general formula (N-1-22) may be used alone,or a combination of two or more compounds represented by general formula(N-1-22) may be used. No particular limitation is imposed on the typesof compounds combined, and suitable compounds are selected according tothe desired properties such as low temperature solubility, transitiontemperature, electrical reliability, and birefringence. The number ofcompounds used is, for example, 1, 2, 3, 4, or 5 or more.

The amount of the compound represented by general formula (N-1-22) andcontained in the liquid crystal composition is preferably as follows.Specifically, the lower limit of the amount is preferably 1% by mass, 5%by mass, 10% by mass, 13% by mass, 15% by mass, 17% by mass, or 20% bymass. The upper limit of the amount is preferably 35% by mass, 30% bymass, 28% by mass, 25% by mass, 23% by mass, 20% by mass, 18% by mass,15% by mass, 13% by mass, 10% by mass, or 5% by mass.

When importance is placed on an improvement in Δε, it is preferable thatthe amount of the compound represented by general formula (N-1-22) isset to be high. When importance is placed on low temperature solubility,setting the amount of the compound to be higher is highly effective.When importance is placed on Tni, setting the amount of the compound tobe higher is highly effective. To improve droplet marks andimage-sticking characteristics, it is preferable to set the amount ofthe compound represented by general formula (N-1-21) within anintermediate range between the above ranges.

The compound represented by general formula (N-1-22) is preferably acompound represented by any of the following formulas (N-1-22.1) to(N-1-22.6) and formulas (N-1-22.11) and (N-1-22.12), more preferably acompound represented by any of formulas (N-1-22.1) to (N-1-22.5), andstill more preferably a compound represented by any of formulas(N-1-22.1) to (N-1-22.4).

The compound represented by general formula (N-3) is preferably acompound represented by the following general formula (N-3-2).

In the above formula, R^(N321) and R^(N322) have the same meanings asR^(N31) and R^(N32), respectively, in general formula (N-3).

R^(N321) and R^(N322) are each preferably an alkyl group having 1 to 5carbon atoms or an alkenyl group having 2 to 5 carbon atoms and morepreferably a propyl group or a pentyl group.

One compound represented by general formula (N-3-2) may be used alone,or a combination of two or more compounds represented by general formula(N-3-2) may be used. No particular limitation is imposed on the types ofcompounds combined, and suitable compounds are selected according to thedesired properties such as low temperature solubility, transitiontemperature, electrical reliability, and birefringence. The number ofcompounds used is, for example, 1, 2, 3, 4, or 5 or more.

The amount of the compound represented by general formula (N-3-2) andcontained in the liquid crystal composition is preferably as follows.Specifically, the lower limit of the amount is preferably 3% by mass, 5%by mass, 10% by mass, 13% by mass, 15% by mass, 17% by mass, 20% bymass, 23% by mass, 25% by mass, 27% by mass, 30% by mass, 33% by mass,or 35% by mass. The upper limit of the amount is preferably 50% by mass,40% by mass, 38% by mass, 35% by mass, 33% by mass, 30% by mass, 28% bymass, 25% by mass, 23% by mass, 20% by mass, 18% by mass, 15% by mas,13% by mass, 10% by mass, 8% by mass, 7% by mass, 6% by mass, or 5% bymass.

When importance is placed on an improvement in Δε, it is preferable thatthe amount of the compound represented by general formula (N-3-2) is setto be high. When importance is placed on low temperature solubility,setting the amount of the compound to be higher is highly effective.When importance is placed on Tni, setting the amount of the compound tobe lower is highly effective. To improve droplet marks andimage-sticking characteristics, it is preferable to set the amount ofthe compound represented by general formula (N-3-2) within anintermediate range between the above ranges.

The compound represented by general formula (N-3-2) is preferably acompound represented by any of the following formulas (N-3-2.1) to(N-3-2.3).

The liquid crystal molecules may further contain a compound representedby the following general formula (L).[Chem. 72]R^(L1)-A^(L1)-Z^(L1)

A^(L2)-Z^(L2)

_(n) _(L1) A^(L3)-R^(L2)  (L)

In the above formula, R^(L1) and R^(L2) each independently represent analkyl group having 1 to 8 carbon atoms. Any one —CH₂— group or two ormore non-adjacent —CH₂— groups present in the alkyl group may be eachindependently replaced with —CH═CH—, —C≡C—, —O—, —CO—, —COO—, or —OCO—.

n^(L2) represents 0, 1, 2, or 3.

A^(L1), A^(L2), and A^(L3) each independently represent a group selectedfrom the group consisting of

(a) a 1,4-cyclohexylene group (any one —CH₂— group or two or morenon-adjacent —CH₂— groups present in this group may each be replacedwith —O—),

(b) a 1,4-phenylene group (any one —CH═ group or two or morenon-adjacent —CH═ groups present in this group may each be replaced with—N═), and

(c) a naphthalene-2,6-diyl group, a1,2,3,4-tetrahydronaphthalene-2,6-diyl group, or adecahydronaphthalene-2,6-diyl group (any one —CH═ group or two or morenon-adjacent —CH═ groups present in these groups may each be replacedwith —N═). The group (a), the group (b), and the group (c) may be eachindependently substituted with a cyano group, a fluorine atom, or achlorine atom.

Z^(L1) and Z^(L2) each independently represent a single bond, —CH₂CH₂—,—(CH₂)₄—, —OCH₂—, —CH₂O—, —COO—, —OCO—, —OCF₂—, —CF₂O—, —CH═N—N═CH—,—CH═CH—, —CF═CF—, or —C≡C—.

When n^(L1) is two or more, a plurality of A^(L2)s and a plurality ofZ^(L2)s may be the same or different, and the compounds represented bygeneral formulas (N-1) to (N-3) are excluded.

The compound represented by general formula (L) corresponds to acompound that is substantially dielectrically neutral (the value of Δεis −2 to 2). One compound represented by general formula (L) may be usedalone, or two or more compounds represented by general formula (L) maybe used in combination. No particular limitation is imposed on the typesof compounds combined, and suitable compounds are selected according tothe desired properties such as low temperature solubility, transitiontemperature, electrical reliability, and birefringence. The number ofcompounds used is, 1, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, or 10 or more.

The amount of the compound represented by general formula (L) andcontained in the liquid crystal composition is appropriately adjustedaccording to the desired properties such as low temperature solubility,transition temperature, electrical reliability, birefringence, processcompatibility, droplet marks, image-sticking, and dielectric anisotropy.

The lower limit of the amount of the compound is preferably 1% by mass,10% by mass, 20% by mass, 30% by mass, 40% by mass, 50% by mass, 55% bymass, 60% by mass, 65% by mass, 70% by mass, 75% by mass, or 80% bymass. The upper limit of the amount is preferably 95% by mass, 85% bymass, 75% by mass, 65% by mass, 55% by mass, 45% by mass, 35% by mass,or 25% by mass.

To increase the response speed of the liquid crystal composition whileits viscosity (q) is kept low, it is preferable that the lower limit ofthe amount of the compound represented by general formula (L) is highand the upper limit is also high. To improve the temperature stabilityof the liquid crystal composition while the Tni of the liquid crystalcomposition is kept high, it is preferable that the lower limit of theamount of the compound is high and the upper limit is also high. Toincrease the Δε of the liquid crystal composition in order to keep thedriving voltage of the liquid crystal display device low, it ispreferable that the lower limit of the amount is low and the upper limitis also low.

When importance is placed on reliability, R^(L1) and R^(L2) are eachindependently preferably an alkyl group. When importance is placed on areduction in the volatility of the compound, R^(L1) and R^(L2) are eachindependently preferably an alkoxy group. When importance is placed on areduction in viscosity, at least one of R^(L1) and R^(L2) is preferablyan alkenyl group.

The number of halogen atoms present in the compound represented bygeneral formula (L) is preferably 0, 1, 2, or 3 and more preferably 0or 1. When importance is placed on compatibility with other liquidcrystal molecules, the number of halogen atoms is preferably 1.

When ring structures to which R^(L1) and R^(L2) are bonded are benzenerings (aromatic rings), R^(L1) and R^(L2) are each independentlypreferably a linear alkyl group having 1 to 5 carbon atoms, a linearalkoxy group having 1 to 4 carbon atoms, or an alkenyl group having 4 to5 carbon atoms.

When the ring structures to which R^(W) and R^(L) are bonded are each asaturated ring structure such as a cyclohexane ring, a pyran ring, or adioxane ring, R^(L) and Ru are each independently preferably a linearalkyl group having 1 to 5 carbon atoms, a linear alkoxy group having 1to 4 carbon atoms, or a linear alkenyl group having 2 to 5 carbon atoms.

To stabilize the nematic phase, the total number of carbon atoms andoxygen atoms (if present) in each of R^(L1) and R^(L2) is preferably 5or less, and R^(L1) and Ru are preferably linear.

The alkenyl group is preferably a group selected from the groupconsisting of groups represented by the following formulas (R1) to (R5).

In each of the above formulas, each solid circle represents a bond.

When importance is placed on the response speed of the liquid crystalmolecules, n^(L1) is preferably 0. To improve the upper limittemperature of the nematic phase of the liquid crystal molecules, n^(L1)is preferably 2 or 3. To balance them, n^(L1) is preferably 1. Tosatisfy the desired characteristics of the liquid crystal composition,it is preferable to use a combination of compounds with different n^(L1)values.

To increase the Δn of the liquid crystal molecules, A^(L1), A^(L2), andA^(L3) are each independently preferably an aromatic group. To improvethe response speed of the liquid crystal molecules, A^(L1), A^(L2), andA^(L3) are each independently preferably an aliphatic group.

The aromatic group and the aliphatic groups are each preferably atrans-1,4-cyclohexylene group, a 1,4-phenylene group, a2-fluoro-1,4-phenylene group, a 3-fluoro-1,4-phenylene group, a3,5-difluoro-1,4-phenylene group, a 1,4-cyclohexenylene group, a1,4-bicyclo[2.2.2]octylene group, a piperidine-1,4-diyl group, anaphthalene-2,6-diyl group, a decahydronaphthalene-2,6-diyl group, or a1,2,3,4-tetrahydronaphthalene-2,6-diyl group, more preferably any ofstructures represented by Chem. 74, and still more preferably atrans-1,4-cyclohexylene group or a 1,4-phenylene group.

When importance is placed on the response speed of the liquid crystalmolecules, Z^(L1) and Z^(L2) are each independently preferably a singlebond.

The compound represented by general formula (L) is preferably a compoundrepresented by any of the following general formulas (L-1) to (L-7).

The compound represented by general formula (L-1) is the followingcompound.

In the above formula, R^(L11) and R^(L12) have the same meanings asR^(L1) and R^(L2), respectively, in general formula (L).

R^(L11) and R^(L12) are each independently preferably a linear alkylgroup having 1 to 5 carbon atoms, a linear alkoxy group having 1 to 4carbon atoms, or a linear alkenyl group having 2 to 5 carbon atoms.

One compound represented by general formula (L-1) may be used alone, ora combination of two or more compounds represented by general formula(L-1) may be used. No particular limitation is imposed on the types ofcompounds combined, and suitable compounds are selected according to thedesired properties such as low temperature solubility, transitiontemperature, electrical reliability, and birefringence. The number ofcompounds used is, for example, 1, 2, 3, 4, or 5 or more.

The amount of the compound represented by general formula (L-1) andcontained in the liquid crystal composition is preferably as follows.Specifically, the lower limit of the amount is preferably 1% by mass, 2%by mass, 3% by mass, 5% by mass, 7% by mass, 10% by mass, 15% by mass,20% by mass, 25% by mass, 30% by mass, 35% by mass, 40% by mass, 45% bymass, 50% by mass, or 55% by mass. The upper limit of the amount ispreferably 95% by mass, 90% by mass, 85% by mass, 80% by mass, 75% bymass, 70% by mas, 65% by mass, 60% by mass, 55% by mass, 50% by mass,45% by mass, 40% by mass, 35% by mass, 30% by mass, or 25% by mass.

To increase the response speed of the liquid crystal composition whileits viscosity (η) is kept low, it is preferable that the lower limit ofthe amount of the compound represented by general formula (L-1) is highand the upper limit is also high. To improve the temperature stabilityof the liquid crystal composition while the Tni of the liquid crystalcomposition is kept high, it is preferable that the lower limit of theamount is medium and the upper limit is also medium. To increase the Δεof the liquid crystal composition in order to keep the driving voltageof the liquid crystal display device low, it is preferable that thelower limit of the amount is low and the upper limit is also low.

Preferably, the compound represented by general formula (L-1) is acompound represented by the following general formula (L-1-1).

In the above formula, R^(L12) has the same meaning as in general formula(L-1).

The compound represented by general formula (L-1-1) is preferably acompound represented by any of the following formulas (L-1-1.1) to(L-1-1.3), more preferably a compound represented by formula (L-1-1.2)or formula (L-1-1.3), and still more preferably a compound representedby formula (L-1-1.3).

The amount of the compound represented by general formula (L-1-1.3) andcontained in the liquid crystal composition is preferably as follows.Specifically, the lower limit of the amount is preferably 1% by mass 2%by mass, 3% by mass, 5% by mass, 7% by mass, or 10% by mass. The upperlimit of the amount is preferably 20% by mass, 15% by mass, 13% by mass,10% by mass, 8% by mass, 7% by mass, 6% by mass, 5% by mass, or 3% bymass.

Preferably, the compound represented by general formula (L-1) is acompound represented by the following general formula (L-1-2).

In the above formula, R^(L12) has the same meaning as in general formula(L-1).

The amount of the compound represented by general formula (L-1-2) andcontained in the liquid crystal composition is preferably as follows.Specifically, the lower limit of the amount is preferably 1% by mass, 5%by mass, 10% by mass, 15% by mass, 17% by mass, 20% by mas, 23% by mass,25% by mass, 27% by mass, 30% by mass, or 35% by mass. The upper limitof the amount is preferably 60% by mass, 55% by mass, 50% by mass, 45%by mass, 42% by mass, 40% by mass, 38% by mass, 35% by mass, 33% bymass, or 30% by mass.

The compound represented by general formula (L-1-2) is preferably acompound represented by any of formulas (L-1-2.1) to (L-1-2.4) below andmore preferably a compound represented by any of formulas (L-1-2.2) to(L-1-2.4). In particular, the compound represented by formula (L-1-2.2)is preferred because its effect of improving the response speed of theliquid crystal composition is high.

When more importance is placed on an improvement in Tni of the liquidcrystal composition than on its response speed, it is preferable to usethe compound represented by formula (L-1-2.3) or formula (L-1-2.4). Theamount of the compound represented by formula (L-1-2.3) or formula(L-1-2.4) and contained in the liquid crystal composition is preferablyless than 30% by mass in order to increase low-temperature solubility.

Preferably, the compound represented by general formula (L-1) is acompound represented by the following general formula (L-1-3).

In the above formula, R^(L13) and R^(L14) each independently representan alkyl group having 1 to 8 carbon atoms or an alkoxy group having 1 to8 carbon atoms.

R^(L13) and R^(L14) are each independently preferably a linear alkylgroup having 1 to 5 carbon atoms, a linear alkoxy group having 1 to 4carbon atoms, or a linear alkenyl group having 2 to 5 carbon atoms.

The amount of the compound represented by general formula (L-1-3) andcontained in the liquid crystal composition is preferably as follows.Specifically, the lower limit of the amount is preferably 1% by mass, 5%by mass, 10% by mass, 13% by mass, 15% by mass, 17% by mass, 20% bymass, 23% by mass, 25% by mass, or 30% by mass. The upper limit of theamount is preferably 60% by mass, 55% by mass, 50% by mass, 45% by mass,40% by mass, 37% by mass, 35% by mass, 33% by mass, 30% by mass, 27% bymass, 25% by mass, 23% by mass, 20% by mass, 17% by mass, 15% by mass,13% by mass, or 10% by mass.

The compound represented by general formula (L-1-3) is preferably acompound represented by any of formulas (L-1-3.1) to (L-1-3.4) andformulas (L-1-3.11) to (L-1-3.13) below and more preferably a compoundrepresented by any of formula (L-1-3.1), formula (L-1-3.3), and formula(L-1-3.4) below. The compound represented by formula (L-1-3.1) isparticularly preferred because its effect of improving the responsespeed of the liquid crystal composition is high.

When more importance is placed on an improvement in Tni of the liquidcrystal composition than on its response speed, it is preferable to usea compound represented by formula (L-1-3.3), formula (L-1-3.4), formula(L-1-3.11), or formula (L-1-3.12). Preferably, the total amount of thecompounds represented by formula (L-1-3.3), formula (L-1-3.4), formula(L-1-3.11), and formula (L-1-3.12) contained in the liquid crystalcomposition in less than 20% in order to increase the low-temperaturesolubility.

The compound represented by general formula (L-1) in preferably acompound represented by the following general formula (L-1-4) or(L-1-5).

In the above formulas, R^(L15) and R^(L16) each independently representan alkyl group having 1 to 8 carbon atoms or an alkoxy group having 1 to8 carbon atoms.

R^(L15) and R^(L16) are each independently preferably a linear alkylgroup having 1 to 5 carbon atoms, a linear alkoxy group having 1 to 4carbon atoms, or a linear alkenyl group having 2 to 5 carbon atoms.

The amount of the compound represented by general formula (L-1-4) andcontained in the liquid crystal composition is preferably as follows.Specifically, the lower limit of the amount is preferably 1% by mass, 5%by mass, 10% by mass, 13% by mass, 15% by mass, 17% by mass, or 20% bymass. The upper limit of the amount is preferably 25% by mass, 23% bymass, 20% by mass, 17% by mass, 15% by mass, 13% by mass, or 10% bymass.

The amount of the compound represented by general formula (L-1-5) andcontained in the liquid crystal composition is preferably as follows.Specifically, the lower limit of the amount is preferably 1% by mass, 5%by mass, 10% by mass, 13% by mass, 15% by mass, 17% by mass, or 20% bymass. The upper limit of the amount is preferably 25% by mass, 23% bymass, 20% by mass, 17% by mass, 15% by mass, 13% by mass, or 10% bymass.

The compound represented by general formula (L-1-4) or (L-1-5) ispreferably a compound represented by any of the following formulas(L-1-4.1) to (L-1-4.3) and formulas (L-1-5.1) to (L-1-5.3) and morepreferably a compound represented by formula (L-1-4.2) or formula(L-1-5.2).

The compound represented by general formula (L-1) is preferably acombination of two or more selected from compounds represented byformula (L-1-1.3), formula (L-1-2.2), formula (L-1-3.1), formula(L-1-3.3), formula (L-1-3.4), formula (L-1-3.11), and formula (L-1-3.12)and more preferably a combination of two or more selected from compoundsrepresented by formula (L-1-1.3), formula (L-1-2.2), formula (L-1-3.1),formula (L-1-3.3), formula (L-1-3.4), and formula (L-1-4.2).

When importance is placed on the reliability of the liquid crystalcomposition, a combination of two or more selected from formula(L-1-3.1), formula (L-1-3.3), and formula (L-1-3.4) is preferred. Whenimportance is placed on the response speed of the liquid crystalcomposition, a combination of two or more selected from compoundsrepresented by formula (L-1-1.3) and formula (L-1-2.2) is preferred.

The compound represented by general formula (L-1) is also preferably acompound represented by the following general formula (L-1-6).

In the above formula, R^(L17) and R^(L18) as each independentlyrepresent a methyl group or a hydrogen atom.

The amount of the compound represented by general formula (L-1-6) andcontained in the liquid crystal composition is preferably as follows.Specifically, the lower limit of the amount is preferably 1% by mass, 5%by mass, 10% by mass, 15% by mass, 17% by mass, 20% by mass, 23% bymass, 25% by mass, 27% by mass, 30% by mass, or 35% by mass. The upperlimit of the amount is preferably 60% by mass, 55% by mass, 50% by mass,45% by mass, 42% by mass, 40% by mass, 38% by mass, 35% by mass, 33% bymass, or 30% by mass.

The compound represented by general formula (L-1-6) is preferably acompound represented by any of the following formulas (L-1-6.1) to(L-1-6.3).

The compound represented by general formula (L-2) is the followingcompound.

In the above formula, R^(L21) and R^(L22) have the same meanings asR^(L1) and R^(L2), respectively, in general formula (L).

R^(L21) is preferably an alkyl group having 1 to 5 carbon atoms or analkenyl group having 2 to 5 carbon atoms.

R^(L22) is preferably an alkyl group having 1 to 5 carbon atoms, analkenyl group having 4 to 5 carbon atoms, or an alkoxy group having 1 to4 carbon atoms.

One compound represented by general formula (L-2) may be used alone, ora combination of two or more compounds represented by general formula(L-1) may be used. No particular limitation is imposed on the types ofcompounds combined, and suitable compounds are selected according to thedesired properties such as low temperature solubility, transitiontemperature, electrical reliability, and birefringence. The number ofcompounds used is, for example, 1, 2, 3, 4, or 5 or more.

The amount of the compound represented by general formula (L-2) andcontained in the liquid crystal composition is preferably as follows.Specifically, the lower limit of the amount is preferably 1% by mass, 2%by mass, 3% by mass, 5% by mass, 7% by mass, or 10% by mass. The upperlimit of the amount is preferably 20% by mass, 15% by mass, 13% by mass,10% by mass, 8% by mass, 7% by mass, 6% by mass, 5% by mass, or 3% bymass.

When importance is placed on the low temperature solubility of theliquid crystal molecules, setting the amount of the compound representedby general formula (L-2) to be higher is highly effective. Whenimportance is placed on the response speed of the liquid crystalcomposition, setting the amount of the compound to be lower is highlyeffective. To improve droplet marks and image-sticking characteristics,it is preferable to set the amount of the compound represented bygeneral formula (L-2) within an intermediate range between the aboveranges.

The compound represented by general formula (L-2) is preferably acompound represented by any of the following formulas (L-2.1) to (L-2.6)and more preferably a compound represented by formula (L-2.1), formula(L-2.3), formula (L-2.4), or formula (L-2.6).

The compound represented by general formula (L-3) is the followingcompound.

In the above formula, R^(L31) and R^(L32) have the same meanings asR^(L1) and R^(L2), respectively, in general formula (L).

R^(L31) and R^(L2) are each independently preferably an alkyl grouphaving 1 to 5 carbon atoms, an alkenyl group having 4 to 5 carbon atoms,or an alkoxy group having 1 to 4 carbon atoms.

One compound represented by general formula (L-3) may be used alone, ora combination of two or more compounds represented by general formula(L-3) may be used. No particular limitation is imposed on the types ofcompounds combined, and suitable compounds are selected according to thedesired properties such as low temperature solubility, transitiontemperature, electrical reliability, and birefringence. The number ofcompounds used is, for example, 1, 2, 3, 4, or 5 or more.

The amount of the compound represented by general formula (L-3) andcontained in the liquid crystal composition is preferably as follows.Specifically, the lower limit of the amount is preferably 1% by mass, 2%by mass, 3% by mass, 5% by mass, 7% by mass, or 10% by mass. The upperlimit of the amount is preferably 20% by mass, 15% by mass, 13% by mass,10% by mass, 8% by mass, 7% by mass, 6% by mass, 5% by mass, or 3% bymass.

To obtain high birefringence, setting the amount of the compoundrepresented by general formula (L-3) to be higher is highly effective.When importance is placed on high Tni, setting the amount of thecompound to be lower is highly effective. To improve droplet marks andimage-sticking characteristics, it is preferable that the amount of thecompound represented by general formula (L-3) is set within anintermediate range between the above ranges.

The compound represented by general formula (L-3) is preferably acompound represented by any of the following formulas (L-3.1) to(L-3.4), formula (L-3.6), and formula (L-3.7) and more preferably acompound represented by any of formulas (L-3.2) to (L-3.4), formula(L-3.6), and formula (L-3.7).

The compound represented by general formula (L-4) is the followingcompound.

In the above formula, R^(L41) and R^(L42) have the same meanings asR^(L1) and R^(L2), respectively, in general formula (L).

R^(L41) is preferably an alkyl group having 1 to 5 carbon atoms or analkenyl group having 2 to 5 carbon atoms.

R^(L42) is preferably an alkyl group having 1 to 5 carbon atoms, analkenyl group having 4 to 5 carbon atoms, or an alkoxy group having 1 to4 carbon atoms.

One compound represented by general formula (L-4) may be used alone, ora combination of two or more compounds represented by general formula(L-4) may be used. No particular limitation is imposed on the types ofcompounds combined, and suitable compounds are selected according to thedesired properties such as low temperature solubility, transitiontemperature, electrical reliability, and birefringence. The number ofcompounds used in, for example, 1, 2, 3, 4, or 5 or more.

The amount of the compound represented by general formula (L-4) andcontained in the liquid crystal composition is appropriately adjustedaccording to the desired properties such as low temperature solubility,transition temperature, electrical reliability, birefringence, processcompatibility, droplet marks, image-sticking, and dielectric anisotropy.

The lower limit of the amount in preferably 1% by mass, 2% by mans, 3%by mas, 5% by mass, 7% by mas, 10% by mans, 14% by mass, 16% by mass,20% by mas, 23% by mass, 26% by mass, 30% by mass, 35% by mass, or 40%by mass. The upper limit of the amount in preferably 50% by mass, 40% bymass, 35% by mass, 30% by mass, 20% by man, 15% by mass, 10% by mass, or5% by mass.

The compound represented by general formula (L-4) in preferably acompound represented by any of the following formulas (L-4.1) to(L-4.3).

In accordance with the desired properties such an low temperaturesolubility, transition temperature, electrical reliability, andbirefringence, the liquid crystal composition may contain only thecompound represented by formula (L-4.1), may contain only the compoundrepresented by formula (L-4.2), may contain both the compoundrepresented by formula (L-4.1) and the compound represented by formula(L-4.2), or may contain all the compounds represented by formulas(L-4.1) to (L-4.3).

The compound represented by general formula (L-4) is preferably acompound represented by any of the flowing formulas (L-4.4) to (L-4.6)and more preferably a compound represented by formula (L-4.4).

In accordance with the desired properties such as low temperaturesolubility, transition temperature, electrical reliability, andbirefringence, the liquid crystal composition may contain only thecompound represented by formula (L-4.4), may contain only the compoundrepresented by formula (L-4.5), or may contain both the compoundsrepresented by formula (L-4.4) and formula (L-4.5).

The compound represented by general formula (L-4) is preferably acompound represented by any of the flowing formulas (L-4.7) to (L-4.10)and more preferably a compound represented by formula (L-4.9).

The compound represented by general formula (L-5) in the followingcompound.

In the above formula, R^(L51) and R^(L52) have the same meanings asR^(L1) and R^(L2), respectively, in general formula (L).

R^(L51) is preferably an alkyl group having 1 to 5 carbon atoms or analkenyl group having 2 to 5 carbon atoms.

R^(L52) is preferably an alkyl group having 1 to 5 carbon atoms, analkenyl group having 4 to 5 carbon atoms, or an alkoxy group having 1 to4 carbon atoms.

One compound represented by general formula (L-5) may be used alone, ora combination of two or more compounds represented by general formula(L-5) may be used. No particular limitation is imposed on the types ofcompounds combined, and suitable compounds are selected according to thedesired properties such as low temperature solubility, transitiontemperature, electrical reliability, and birefringence. The number ofcompounds used is, for example, 1, 2, 3, 4, or 5 or more.

The amount of the compound represented by general formula (L-5) andcontained in the liquid crystal composition is appropriately adjustedaccording to the desired properties such as low temperature solubility,transition temperature, electrical reliability, birefringence, processcompatibility, droplet marks, image-sticking, and dielectric anisotropy.

The lower limit of the amount of the compound is preferably 1% by mass,2% by mass, 3% by mass, 5% by mass, 7% by mass, 10% by mass, 14% bymass, 16% by mass, 20% by mass, 23% by mass, 26% by mass, 30% by mass,35% by mass, or 40% by mass. The upper limit of the amount is preferably50% by mass, 40% by mass, 35% by mass, 30% by mass, 20% by mass, 15% bymass, 10% by mass, or 5% by mass.

The compound represented by general formula (L-5) is preferably acompound represented by the following formula (L-5.1) or formula (L-5.2)and more preferably a compound represented by formula (L-5.1).

The compound represented by general formula (L-5) is also preferably acompound represented by the following formula (L-5.3) or formula(L-5.4).

The compound represented by general formula (L-5) is also preferably acompound represented by any of the following formulas (L-5.5) to (L-5.7)and more preferably a compound represented by formula (L-5.7).

The compound represented by general formula (L-6) is the followingcompound.

In the above formula, R^(L61) and R^(L62) have the same meanings asR^(L1) and R^(L2), respectively, in general formula (L).

X^(L61) and X^(L2) each independently represent a hydrogen atom or afluorine atom.

R^(L61) and R^(L62) are each independently preferably an alkyl grouphaving 1 to 5 carbon atoms or an alkenyl group having 2 to 5 carbonatoms.

Preferably, one of X^(L61) and X^(L62) in a fluorine atom, and the otherone is a hydrogen atom.

One compound represented by general formula (L-6) may be used alone, ora combination of two or more compounds represented by general formula(L-6) may be used. No particular limitation is imposed on the types ofcompounds combined, and suitable compounds are selected according to thedesired properties such as low temperature solubility, transitiontemperature, electrical reliability, and birefringence. The number ofcompounds used is, for example, 1, 2, 3, 4, or 5 or more.

The amount of the compound represented by general formula (L-6) andcontained in the liquid crystal composition is preferably as follows.Specifically, the lower limit of the amount is preferably 1% by mass, 2%by mass, 3% by mass, 5% by mass, 7% by mass, 10% by mass, 14% by mass,16% by mass, 20% by mass, 23% by mass, 26% by mass, 30% by mass, 35% bymass, or 40% by mass. The upper limit of the amount is preferably 50% bymass, 40% by mass, 35% by mass, 30% by mass, 20% by mass, 15% by mass,10% by mass, or 5% by mass.

When importance is placed on an increase in Δn, it is preferable toincrease the amount of the compound represented by general formula(L-6). When importance is placed on precipitation at low temperature, itis preferable to reduce the amount of the compound.

The compound represented by general formula (L-6) is preferably acompound represented by any of the following formulas (L-6.1) to(L-6.9).

No particular limitation is imposed on the number of compounds combined.However, it is preferable to use one to three compounds, and it is morepreferable to use one to four compounds. For example, it is preferableto select and appropriately combine one of the compounds represented byformula (L-6.1) and formula (L-6.2), one of the compounds represented byformula (L-6.4) and formula (L-6.5), one of the compounds represented byformula (L-6.6) and formula (L-6.7), and one of the compoundsrepresented by formula (L-6.8) and formula (L-6.9) because a widemolecular weight distribution of the selected compounds is effective forthe solubility. In particular, a combination of compounds represented byformula (L-6.1), formula (L-6.3), formula (L-6.4), formula (L-6.6), andformula (L-6.9) is more preferred.

The compound represented by general formula (L-6) is also preferably acompound represented by any of the following formulas (L-6.10) to(L-6.17) and more preferably a compound represented by formula (L-6.11).

The compound represented by general formula (L-7) is the followingcompound.

In the above formula, R^(L71) and R^(L72) have the same meanings asR^(L1) and R^(L2), respectively, in general formula (L).

A^(L71) and A^(L72) have the same meanings as A^(L2) and A^(L3),respectively, in general formula (L). Any hydrogen atom present inA^(L71) and A^(L72) may be replaced with a fluorine atom.

Z^(L71) has the same meaning as Z^(L2) in general formula (L).

X^(L71) and X^(L72) each independently represent a fluorine atom or ahydrogen atom.

In the above formula, R^(L71) and R^(L72) are each independentlypreferably an alkyl group having 1 to 5 carbon atoms, an alkenyl grouphaving 2 to 5 carbon atoms, or an alkoxy group having 1 to 4 carbonatoms.

A^(L71) and A^(L72) are each independently preferably a1,4-cyclohexylene group or a 1,4-phenylene group. Any hydrogen atompresent in A^(L71) and A^(L72) may be replaced with a hydrogen atom or afluorine atom.

Z^(L71) is preferably a single bond or COO— and more preferably a singlebond.

X^(L71) and X^(L72) are each preferably a hydrogen atom.

No particular limitation is imposed on the types of compounds combined,and suitable compounds are selected according to the desired propertiessuch as low temperature solubility, transition temperature, electricalreliability, and birefringence. The number of compounds used is 1, 2, 3,or 4.

The amount of the compound represented by general formula (L-7) andcontained in the liquid crystal composition is appropriately adjustedaccording to the desired properties such as low temperature solubility,transition temperature, electrical reliability, birefringence, processcompatibility, droplet marks, image-sticking, and dielectric anisotropy.

The lower limit of the amount of the compound is preferably 1% by mass,2% by mass, 3% by mass, 5% by mass, 7% by mass, 10% by mass, 14% bymass, 16% by mass, or 20% by mass. The upper limit of the amount ispreferably 30% by mass, 25% by mass, 23% by mass, 20% by mass, 18% bymass, 15% by mass, 10% by mass, or 5% by mass.

When the liquid crystal composition is required to have high Tni, it ispreferable to increase the amount of the compound represented by generalformula (L-7). When low viscosity is desired, it is preferable to reducethe amount of the compound.

The compound represented by general formula (L-7) is preferably acompound represented by any of the following formulas (L-7.1) to (L-7.4)and more preferably a compound represented by formula (L-7.2).

The compound represented by general formula (L-7) in also preferably acompound represented by any of the following formulas (L-7.11) to(L-7.13) and more preferably a compound represented by formula (L-7.11).

The compound represented by general formula (L-7) in also preferably acompound represented by any of the following formulas (L-7.21) to(L-7.23) and more preferably a compound represented by formula (L-7.21).

The compound represented by general formula (L-7) is also preferably acompound represented by any of the following formulas (L-7.31) to(L-7.34) and more preferably a compound represented by formula (L-7.31)or formula (L-7.32).

The compound represented by general formula (L-7) in also preferably acompound represented by any of the following formulas (L-7.41) to(L-7.44) and more preferably a compound represented by formula (L-7.41)or formula (L-7.42).

The compound represented by general formula (L-7) is also preferably acompound represented by any of the following formulas (L-7.51) to(L-7.53).

((Polymerizable Compound))

The liquid crystal composition may further contain a polymerizablecompound that can be polymerized by irradiation with active energy rays.The polymerizable compound is preferably a compound represented by thefollowing general formula (P). Preferably, the liquid crystalcomposition contains one or two or more polymerizable compoundsrepresented by the following general formula (P).

In the above formula, R^(p1) represents a hydrogen atom, a fluorineatom, a cyano group, an alkyl group having 1 to 15 carbon atoms, or-Sp^(p2)-P^(p2). One —CH₂— group or two or more non-adjacent —CH₂—groups in the alkyl group may be each independently replaced with—CH═CH—, —C≡C—, —O—, —CO—, —COO—, or —OCO—. One or two or more hydrogenatoms in the alkyl group may be each independently replaced with a cyanogroup, a fluorine atom, or a chlorine atom.

P^(p1) and P^(p2) each independently represent any of the followinggeneral formula (P^(p1)-1) to formula (P^(p1)-9).

(In the above formulas, R^(p11) and R^(p12) each independently representa hydrogen atom, an alkyl group having 1 to 5 carbon atoms, or ahalogenated alkyl group having 1 to 5 carbon atoms; WP¹¹ represents asingle bond, —O—, —COO—, or a methylene group; t^(p11) represents 0, 1,or 2; when a plurality of R^(p11)s, a plurality of R^(p12)s, a pluralityof W^(p11)s and/or a plurality of t^(p11)s are present, they may be thesame or different.)

Sp^(p1) and Sp^(p2) each independently represent a single bond or aspacer group.

Z^(p1) and Z^(p2) each independently represent a single bond, —O—, —S—,—CH₂—, —OCH₂—, —CH₂O—, —CO—, —C₂H₄—, —COO—, —OCO—, —OCOOCH₂—, —CH₂OCOO—,—OCH₂CH₂O—, —CO—NR^(ZP1)—, —NR^(ZP1)—CO—, —SCH₂—, —CH₂S—,—CH═CR^(ZP1)—COO—, —CH═CR^(ZP1)—OCO—, —COO—CR^(ZP1)═CH—,—OCO—CR^(ZP1)═CH—, —COO—CR^(ZP1)═CH—COO—, —COO—CR^(ZP1)═CH—OCO—,—OCO—CR^(ZP1)═CH—COO—, —OCO—CR^(ZP1)═CH—OCO—, —(CH₂)₂—COO—,—(CH₂)₂—OCO—, —OCO—(CH₂)₂—, —(C═O)—O—(CH₂)₂—, —CH═CH—, —CF═CF—, —CF═CH—,—CH═CF—, —CF₂—, —CF₂O—, —OCF₂—, —CF₂CH₂—, —CH₂CF₂—, —CF₂CF₂—, or —C≡C—(wherein R^(ZP1)s each independently represent a hydrogen atom or analkyl group having 1 to 4 carbon atoms; and when a plurality of R^(ZP1)sare present in one molecule, they may be the same or different).

A^(p1), A^(p2), and A^(p3) each independently represent a group selectedfrom the group consisting of

(a^(P)) a 1,4-cyclohexylene group (one —CH₂— group or two or morenon-adjacent —CH₂— groups present in this group may be replaced with—O—)

(b^(P)) a 1,4-phenylene group (one —CH═ group or two or morenon-adjacent —CH═ group present in this group may be replaced with —N═),and

(c^(P)) a naphthalene-2,6-diyl group, a1,2,3,4-tetrahydronaphthalene-2,6-diyl group, adecahydronaphthalene-2,6-diyl group, a phenanthrene-2,7-diyl group, oran anthracene-2,6-diyl group (one —CH═ group or two or more non-adjacent—CH═ groups present in these groups may each be replaced with —N═, andany hydrogen atom present in these groups may be replaced with a halogenatom, an alkyl group having 1 to 8 carbon atoms, or an alkenyl grouphaving 1 to 8 carbon atoms). The group (a^(P)), the group (b^(P)), andthe group (c^(P)) may be each independently substituted with an alkylgroup having 1 to 8 carbon atoms, an alkenyl group having 1 to 8 carbonatoms, a cyano group, a fluorine atom, a chlorine atom, or-Sp^(p2)-P^(p2).

m^(p1) represents 0, 1, 2, or 3.

When a plurality of Z^(p1)s, a plurality of A^(p2)s, a plurality ofSp^(p2)s, and/or a plurality of P^(p2) are present in one molecule, theymay be the same or different. When m^(p1) is 0 and A^(p2) is aphenanthrene-2,7-diyl group or an anthracene-2,6-diyl group, A^(p3)represents a single bond.

The alignment aid is excluded from the polymerizable compound.

R^(p1) is preferably -Sp^(p2)-P^(p2).

P^(p2) and P^(p2) are each independently preferably one of formula(P^(p1)-1) to formula (P^(p1)-3) and more preferably (P^(p1)-1).

R^(p11) and R^(p12) are each independently preferably a hydrogen atom ora methyl group.

t^(p11) is preferably 0 or 1.

W^(p11) is preferably a single bond, a methylene group, or an ethylenegroup.

m^(p1) is preferably 0, 1, or 2 and preferably 0 or 1.

Z^(p2) and Z^(p2) are each independently preferably a single bond,—OCH₂—, —CH₂O—, —CO—, —C₂H₄—, —COO—, —OCO—, —COOC₂H₄—, —OCOC₂H₄—,—C₂H₄OCO—, —C₂H₄COO—, —CH═CH—, —CF₂—, —CF₂O—, —(CH₂)₂—COO—,—(CH₂)₂—OCO—, —OCO—(CH₂)₂—, —CH═CH—COO—, —COO—CH═CH—, —OCOCH═CH—,—COO—(CH₂)₂—, —OCF₂—, or —C≡C— and more preferably a single bond,—OCH₂—, —CH₂O—, —C₂H₄—, —COO—, —OCO—, —COOC₂H₄—, —OCOC₂H₄—, —C₂H₄OCO—,—C₂H₄OCO—, —CH═CH—, —(CH₂)₂—COO—, —(CH₂)₂—OCO—, —OCO—(CH₂)₂—,—CH═CH—COO—, —COO—CH═CH—, —OCOCH═CH—, —COO—(CH₂)₂—, or —C≡C—.

Preferably, only one of Z^(p1)(s) and Z^(p2) present in one molecule is—OCH₂—, —CH₂O—, —C₂H₄—, —COO—, —OCO—, —COOC₂H₄—, —OCOC₂H₄—, —C₂H₄OCO—,—C₂H₄COO—, —CH═CH—, —(OCH₂)₂—COO—, —(CH₂)₂—OCO—, —OCO—(CH₂)₂—,—CH═CH—COO—, —COO—CH═CH—, —OCOCH═CH—, —COO—(CH₂)₂—, or —C≡C—, and therest are each a single bond. More preferably, only one of Z^(p1) (s) andZ^(p2) present in one molecule is —OCH₂—, —CH₂O—, —C₂H₄—, —COO—, or—OCO—, and the rest are each a single bond. Still more preferably, allof Z^(p1)(s) and Z^(p2) present in one molecule are each a single bond.

Preferably, only one of Z^(p1)(s) and Z^(p2) present in one molecule isa linking group selected from the group consisting of —CH═CH—COO—,—COO—CH═CH—, —(CH₂)₂—COO—, —(CH₂)₂—OCO—, —O—CO—(CH₂)₂—, and—COO—(CH₂)₂—, and the rest are each a single bond.

Sp^(p1) and Sp^(p2) each independently represent a single bond or aspacer group, and the spacer group is preferably an alkylene grouphaving 1 to 30 carbon atoms. Any —CH₂— group in the alkylene group maybe replaced with —O—, —CO—, —COO—, —OCO—, —CH═CH—, or —C≡C— so long asoxygen atoms are not directly linked to each other, and any hydrogenatom in the alkylene group may be replaced with a halogen atom.

In particular, Sp^(p1) and Sp^(p2) are each independently preferably alinear alkylene group having 1 to 10 carbon atoms or a single bond.

A^(p1), A^(p2), and A^(p3) are each independently preferably a1,4-phenylene group or a 1,4-cyclohexylene group and more preferably a1,4-phenylene group.

To improve the compatibility with the liquid crystal molecules (liquidcrystal compound), it is preferable that the 1,4-phenylene group issubstituted with one fluorine atom, one methyl group, or one methoxygroup.

The total content of the compounds represented by general formula (P)relative to the liquid crystal composition is preferably 0.05 to 10% bymass, more preferably 0.1 to 8% by mass, still more preferably 0.1 to 5%by mass, yet more preferably 0.1 to 3% by mass, even more preferably 0.2to 2% by mass, yet even more preferably 0.2 to 1.3% by mass,particularly preferably 0.2 to 1% by mass, and most preferably 0.2 to0.56% by mass.

The lower limit of the total content of the compounds represented bygeneral formula (P) relative to the liquid crystal composition ispreferably 0.01% by mass, 0.03% by mass, 0.05% by mass, 0.08% by mass,0.1% by mass, 0.15% by mass, 0.2% by mass, 0.25% by mass, or 0.3% bymass.

The upper limit of the total content of the compounds represented bygeneral formula (P) relative to the liquid crystal composition ispreferably 10% by mass, 8% by mass, 5% by mass, 3% by mass, 1.5% bymass, 1.2% by mass, 1% by mass, 0.8% by mass, or 0.5% by mass.

If the content of the compounds represented by general formula (P) issmall, the effect of these compounds added to the liquid crystalcomposition tends not to be obtained. For example, problems such as weakanchoring force of the liquid crystal molecules and a reduction in theanchoring force over time may occur depending on the type of liquidcrystal molecules, the type of alignment aid, etc. If the content of thecompounds represented by general formula (P) is excessively large,problems such as an increase in the amount of the compounds remainingpresent after curing, an increase in curing time, and a reduction in thereliability of the liquid crystal composition may occur depending on,for example, the illuminance of active energy rays. It is thereforepreferable to set the content in consideration of the balance betweenthem.

The total content of the compound represented by general formula (SAL)(the alignment aid that is a compound containing an adsorptive groupZ^(AT1)) and the compound represented by general formula (P) relative tothe liquid crystal composition is preferably 0.05 to 10% by mass,preferably 0.1 to 8% by mass, preferably 0.1 to 5% by mass, preferably0.1 to 3% by mass, preferably 0.2 to 2% by mass, preferably 0.2 to 1.3%by mass, preferably 0.2 to 1% by mass, and preferably 0.2 to 0.56% bymass.

The lower limit of the total content of the compound represented bygeneral formula (SAL) and the compound represented by general formula(P) relative to the liquid crystal composition is preferably 0.01% bymass, 0.03% by mass, 0.05% by mass, 0.08% by mass, 0.1% by mass, 0.15%by mass, 0.2% by mass, 0.25% by mass, or 0.3% by mass.

The upper limit of the total content of the compound represented bygeneral formula (SAL) and the compound represented by general formula(P) relative to the liquid crystal composition is preferably 10% bymass, 8% by mass, 5% by mass, 3% by mass, 1.5% by mass, 1.2% by mass, 1%by mass, 0.8% by mass, or 0.5% by mass.

If the total content of the compound represented by general formula(SAL) and the compound represented by general formula (P) is small, theeffect of these compounds added to the liquid crystal composition tendsnot to be obtained. For example, problems such as weak anchoring forceof the liquid crystal molecules and a reduction in the anchoring forceover time may occur depending on the type of liquid crystal moleculesetc. If the total content of the compound represented by general formula(SAL) and the compound represented by general formula (P) is excessivelylarge, problems such as an increase in the amount of the compoundsremaining present after curing, an increase in curing time, and areduction in the reliability of the liquid crystal composition may occurdepending on, for example, the illuminance of active energy rays. It istherefore preferable to set the contents in consideration of the balancebetween them.

Preferred examples of the compound represented by general formula (P)include polymerizable compounds represented by the following formula(P-1-1) to formula (P-1-46).

In the above formulas, P^(p11), P^(p12), Sp^(p11), and Sp^(p12) have thesame meanings as P^(p1), P^(p2), Sp^(p1) and Sp^(p2), respectively, ingeneral formula (P).

Other preferred examples of the compound represented by general formula(P) include polymerizable compounds represented by the following formula(P-2-1) to formula (P-2-12).

In the above formulas, P^(p21), P^(p22), Sp^(p21), and Sp^(p22) have thesame meanings as P^(p1), P^(p2), Sp^(p1), and Sp^(p2), respectively, ingeneral formula (P).

Other preferred examples of the compound represented by general formula(P) include polymerizable compounds represented by the following formula(P-3-1) to formula (P-3-15).

In the above formulas, P^(p31), P^(p32), Sp^(p31), and Sp^(p32) have thesame meanings as P^(p1), P^(p2), Sp^(p1), and Sp^(p2), respectively, ingeneral formula (P).

Other preferred examples of the compound represented by general formula(P) include polymerizable compounds represented by the following formula(P-4-1) to formula (P-4-19).

In the above formulas, P^(p41), P^(p42), Sp^(p41), and Sp^(p42) have thesame meanings as P^(p1), P^(p2), Sp^(p1), and Sp^(p2), respectively, ingeneral formula (P).

When the liquid crystal composition contains the polymerizable compoundin addition to the alignment aid, the pretilt angle of the liquidcrystal molecules can be formed preferably.

Preferably, the liquid crystal composition does not contain a compoundthat has, in its molecule, a structure such as a peracid (—CO—OO—)structure in which oxygen atoms are bonded to each other.

When importance is placed on the reliability and long-term stability ofthe liquid crystal composition, the amount of a compound having acarbonyl group and contained in the liquid crystal composition ispreferably 5% by mass or less, more preferably 3% by mass or less, stillmore preferably 1% by mass or less, and particularly preferablysubstantially 0% by mass.

When importance is placed on the UV radiation stability of the liquidcrystal composition, the amount of a chlorine-substituted compoundcontained in the liquid crystal composition is preferably 15% by mass orless, more preferably 10% by mass or less, still more preferably 8% bymass or less, yet more preferably 5% by mass or less, even morepreferably 3% by mass or less, and particularly preferably substantially0% by mass.

Preferably, the liquid crystal composition contains an increased amountof a compound in which all ring structures in its molecule are6-membered rings. Specifically, the amount of such a compound ispreferably 80% by mass or more, more preferably 90% by mass or more,still more preferably 95% by mass or more, and particularly preferablysubstantially 100% by mass.

To prevent deterioration of the liquid crystal composition by oxidation,it is preferable that the liquid crystal composition contains a reducedamount of a compound having a cyclohexenylene group as a ring structure.Specifically, the amount of such a compound is preferably 10% by mass orless, preferably 8% by mass or less, more preferably 5% by mass or less,still more preferably 3% by mass or less, and particularly preferablysubstantially 0% by mass.

When importance is placed on an improvement in the viscosity of theliquid crystal composition and an improvement in its Tni, it ispreferable that the liquid crystal composition contains a reduced amountof a compound having, in its molecule, a 2-methylbenzene-1,4-diyl groupin which any hydrogen atom is optionally replaced with a halogen.Specifically, the amount of such a compound is preferably 10% by mass orless, more preferably 8% by mass or less, still more preferably 5% bymass or less, particularly preferably 3% by mass or less, and mostpreferably substantially 0% by mass.

In the present description, the phrase “the amount of compound Xcontained in the liquid crystal composition is substantially 0% by mass”means that the amount of compound X unintendedly (inevitably) containedin the liquid crystal composition is allowable.

The lower limit of the average elastic constant (K_(AVG)) of the liquidcrystal composition is preferably 10, 10.5, 11, 11.5, 12, 12.3, 12.5,12.8, 13, 13.3, 13.5, 13.8, 14, 14.3, 14.5, 14.8, 15, 15.3, 15.5, 15.8,16, 16.3, 16.5, 16.8, 17, 17.3, 17.5, 17.8, or 18. The upper limit ispreferably 25, 24.5, 24, 23.5, 23, 22.8, 22.5, 22.3, 22, 21.8, 21.5,21.3, 21, 20.8, 20.5, 20.3, 20, 19.8, 19.5, 19.3, 19, 18.8, 18.5, 18.3,18, 17.8, 17.5, 17.3, or 17.

When importance is placed on a reduction in the power consumption of theliquid crystal display device, reducing the amount of light from abacklight is effective. Since it is preferable to improve the lighttransmittance of the liquid crystal display device, it is preferable toset the K_(AVG) value to be low. When importance is placed on animprovement in the response speed of the liquid crystal display device(liquid crystal composition), it is preferable to set the K_(AVG) valueto be high.

(Liquid Crystal Display Device)

Next, a description will be given of a liquid crystal display deviceincluding a liquid crystal layer formed from the above-described liquidcrystal composition.

FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view schematically showing oneembodiment of the liquid crystal display device, and FIG. 2 is anenlarged plan view of a region surrounded by line I in FIG. 1.

In FIGS. 1 and 2, the dimensions and ratios of components may beexaggerated and may differ from the actual dimensions and ratios for thesake of convenience. Materials, dimensions, etc. described below areexamples, and the present invention is not limited thereto. Thematerials, dimensions, etc. shown below can be appropriately changed solong as the gist of the invention is not changed.

The liquid crystal display device 1 shown in FIG. 1 includes an activematrix substrate AM and a color filter substrate CF that are disposed soas to face each other and further includes a liquid crystal layer 4sandwiched between the active matrix substrate AM and the color filtersubstrate CF.

The active matrix substrate AM includes a first substrate 2, a pixelelectrode layer 5 disposed on a surface of the first substrate 2 that islocated on the liquid crystal layer 4 side, and a first polarizing plate7 disposed on a surface of the first substrate 2 that is opposite to theliquid crystal layer 4.

The color filter substrate CF includes a second substrate 3, a commonelectrode layer 6 disposed on the liquid crystal layer 4 side of thesecond substrate 3, a second polarizing plate 8 disposed on a surface ofthe second substrate 3 that is opposite to the liquid crystal layer 4,and a color filter 9 disposed between the second substrate 3 and thecommon electrode layer 6.

Specifically, the liquid crystal display device 1 according to thepresent embodiment has a structure in which the first polarizing plate7, the first substrate 2, the pixel electrode layer 5, the liquidcrystal layer 4, the common electrode layer 6, the color filter 9, thesecond substrate 3, and the second polarizing plate 8 are stacked inthis order.

The first substrate 2 and the second substrate 3 are formed of a pliable(flexible) material such as a glass material or a plastic material.

The first substrate 2 and the second substrate 3 may both havelight-transmitting properties, or only one of them may havelight-transmitting properties. In the latter case, the other substratemay be formed from an opaque material such as a metal material or asilicon material.

As shown in FIG. 2, the pixel electrode layer 5 includes a plurality ofgate bus lines 11 for supplying scan signals, a plurality of data buslines 12 for supplying display signals, and a plurality of pixelelectrodes 13. Only a pair of gate bus lines 11, 11 and a pair of databus lines 12, 12 are shown in FIG. 2.

The plurality of gate bus lines 11 and the plurality of data bus lines12 are disposed so as to intersect with each other in a matrix form, andregions surrounded by these bus lines form unit pixels of the liquidcrystal display device 1. One pixel electrode 13 is formed in each unitpixel.

The pixel electrodes 13 each have a structure (a no-called fish-bonestructure) including two trunk portions orthogonal to each other andforming a cross shape and a plurality of branch portions branched fromthe trunk portions and extending outward.

A Cs electrode 14 is disposed between the pair of gate bus lines 11, 11so as to be substantially parallel to the gate bus lines 11. A thin filmtransistor including a source electrode 15 and a drain electrode 16 isprovided near the intersection of a gate bus line 11 and a data bus line12. A contact hole 17 is provided in the drain electrode 16.

The gate bus lines 11 and the data bus lines 12 are each formed ofpreferably, for example, Al, Cu, Au, Ag, Cr, Ta, Ti, Mo, W, Ni, or analloy containing these elements and more preferably Mo, Al, or an alloycontaining these elements.

The pixel electrodes 13 are each formed from a transparent electrode inorder to improve light transmittance. The transparent electrode isformed, for example, by sputtering a compound such as ZnO, InGaZnO,SiGe, GaAs, IZO (indium zinc oxide), ITO (indium tin oxide), SnO, TiO,or AZTO (AlZnSnO).

The average thickness of the transparent electrode is preferably about10 to about 200 nm. To reduce electrical resistance, the transparentelectrode may be formed by firing an amorphous ITO film to form apolycrystalline ITO film.

The common electrode layer 6 has disposed thereon, for example, aplurality of stripe-shaped common electrodes (transparent electrodes).These common electrodes can be formed in the same manner as that for thepixel electrodes 13.

The color filter 9 can be produced, for example, by a pigment dispersionmethod, a printing method, an electrodeposition method, or a stainingmethod.

In the pigment dispersion method, a curable coloring composition for thecolor filter is supplied to the second substrate 3 so as to form aprescribed pattern and then cured by heating or irradiation with light.This procedure is performed for three colors, i.e., red, green, and bluecolors, and the color filter 9 can thereby be obtained.

The color filter 9 may be disposed on the first substrate 2 side.

The liquid crystal display device 1 may have a black matrix (not shown)from the viewpoint of preventing light leakage. Preferably, the blackmatrix is formed in portions corresponding to the thin film transistors.

The black matrix may be disposed, together with the color filter 9, onthe second substrate 3 side or may be disposed, together with the colorfilter 9, on the first substrate 2 aide. The black matrix may bedisposed on the first substrate 2 aide, and the color filter 9 may bedisposed on the second substrate 3 side. The black matrix may be formedfrom overlapping colored portions of the color filter 9 that havereduced transmittance.

The active matrix substrate AM and the color filter substrate CF arebonded to each other at their circumferential edges using a sealingmaterial (sealer) formed from, for example, an epoxy-based heat-curablecomposition.

A spacer may be disposed between the active matrix substrate AM and thecolor filter substrate CF in order to maintain a separation distancetherebetween. Examples of the spacer include particulate spacers such asglass particles, plastic particles, and alumina particles and resin-madespacer columns formed by photolithography.

The average separation distance between the active matrix substrate AMand the color filter substrate CF (i.e., the average thickness of theliquid crystal layer 4) is preferably about 1 to about 100 μm.

By adjusting the positional relation between the transmission axes ofthe first polarizing plate 7 and the second polarizing plate 8, a designwith a good viewing angle and good contrast can be obtained.Specifically, it is preferable that the first polarizing plate 7 and thesecond polarizing plate 8 are disposed such that their transmission axesare orthogonal to each other in order for the liquid crystal displaydevice 1 to operate in a normally black mode. In particular, it ispreferable that one of the first polarizing plate 7 and the secondpolarizing plate 8 is disposed such that its transmission axis isparallel to the alignment direction of the liquid crystal molecules whenno voltage is applied.

When the first polarizing plate 7 and the second polarizing plate 8 areused, it is preferable that the product of the refractive indexanisotropy (Δn) of the liquid crystal layer 4 and the average thicknessof the liquid crystal layer 4 is adjusted such that the contrast ismaximized. The liquid crystal display device 1 may further include aretardation film in order to increase the viewing angle.

The active matrix substrate AM may further include an insulating filmthat covers part of the pixel electrode layer 5 (the gate bus lines 11,the data bus lines 12, the pixel electrodes 13, the Cs electrodes 14,and the thin film transistors) or the entire pixel electrode layer 5.

The color filter substrate CF may further include an insulating filmthat covers part of the common electrode layer 6 (common electrode) orthe entire common electrode layer 6.

Examples of the material forming these insulating films include organicmaterials such as acrylic resins and epoxy resins and inorganicmaterials such as silicon nitride (SiNx). One of these materials may beused alone, or a combination of two or more of them may be used. Inparticular, the insulating films are preferably organic insulating filmsformed of an organic material and more preferably organic insulatingfilms formed of an acrylic resin or an epoxy resin.

(Method for Manufacturing Liquid Crystal Display Device)

Next, a method for manufacturing the liquid crystal display device 1will be described.

The method for manufacturing the liquid crystal display device in theembodiment includes a preparation step [1] of preparing the substratesand the liquid crystal composition, a hydrophilization treatment step[2] of subjecting the substrates to hydrophilization treatment, anassembling step [3] of assembling the liquid crystal display device 1, apolymerizing step [4] of polymerizing the alignment aid and/or thepolymerizable compound, and a curing step [5] of curing the sealingmaterial.

[1] Preparation Step

First, the active matrix substrate AM, the color filter substrate CF,and the liquid crystal composition described above are prepared.

[2] Hydrophilization Treatment Step (First Step)

Next, a surface of the active matrix substrate AM and a surface of thecolor filter substrate CF that are to face the liquid crystal layer 4(i.e., the inner surface of the pixel electrode layer 5 and the innersurface of the common electrode layer 6) are subjected tohydrophilization treatment.

By performing the hydrophilization treatment, the hydrophilicity of theinner surface of the pixel electrode layer 5 and the hydrophilicity ofthe inner surface of the common electrode layer 6 (these inner surfacesmay be referred to simply as “inner surfaces”) can be increased. Thisallows the polar groups in the alignment aid contained in the liquidcrystal composition to be firmly fixed to the inner surfaces. Moreover,the alignment aid can be disposed (aligned) such that the mesogenicgroups are spaced apart from the inner surfaces. In this manner, theliquid crystal molecules aligned vertically can be more reliably heldwithin the liquid crystal layer 4.

Examples of the hydrophilization treatment (polarity improvingtreatment) include: physical treatment such as ozone treatment, UVtreatment, corona treatment, and oxygen plasma treatment; and chemicaltreatment such as addition of a surfactant, polyethylene glycol,polyvinyl alcohol, etc. and introduction of hydrophilic functionalgroups. One type of such treatment may be used alone, or two or moretypes of such treatment may be used in combination.

In particular, the hydrophilization treatment is preferably physicaltreatment, and ozone treatment and UV treatment are more preferred. Withthe ozone treatment or the UV treatment, hydroxy groups can beintroduced onto the inner surfaces to increase hydrophilicity(polarity). Moreover, the ozone treatment or the V treatment (physicaltreatment) has a high cleaning effect, so that impurities (such asresist residues) adhering to the inner surfaces can be removed.Therefore, the polar groups in the alignment aid can more easily adsorbon the inner surfaces.

<Ozone Treatment>

The ozone treatment is a method in which oxygen in air is converted toozone by irradiation with ultraviolet (UV) rays and surface modificationis performed in the ozone-containing atmosphere.

The UV light source is preferably a low-pressure mercury lamp. Thelow-pressure mercury lamp is known to have light-emission spectra atwavelengths of around 185 nm and around 254 nm. The light with awavelength of around 185 nm is used to generate ozone, and the lightwith a wavelength of around 254 nm is used to decompose the ozone tothereby generate active oxygen. Therefore, by using the low-pressuremercury lamp, the inner surfaces can be effectively subjected tohydrophilization treatment.

Any gas containing oxygen can be used as the oxygen source gas, andoxygen gas, dry air, etc. can be used.

The pressure of the atmosphere used for the ozone treatment may bereduced pressure or may be atmospheric pressure.

No particular limitation is imposed on the time for the ozone treatment(the V irradiation time). The ozone treatment time is preferably about 1to about 100 seconds, more preferably about 10 to about 80 seconds, andstill more preferably about 20 to about 60 seconds.

<UV Treatment>

The UV treatment (photo surface treatment) is a surface modificationmethod in which the inner surfaces are irradiated directly with UV rayswith a wavelength of 254 nm.

The UV light source used is a low-pressure mercury lamp usingsynthesized quartz having high transmittance for short wavelength UVrays. To prevent the generation of ozone, it is preferable to cut off UVrays with a wavelength of 185 nm.

The atmosphere for the V treatment is preferably a nitrogen atmosphereor a reduced pressure atmosphere (vacuum pressure).

No particular limitation is imposed on the time for the UV treatment,and the UV treatment time is preferably about 1 to about 100 seconds,more preferably about 10 to about 80 seconds, and still more preferablyabout 20 to about 60 seconds.

<Corona Treatment>

The corona treatment is a surface modification method that uses a coronadischarge excited by a high AC voltage applied to a pair of electrodesat atmospheric pressure.

<Oxygen Plasma Treatment>

The oxygen plasma treatment is a method in which a treatment gascontaining oxygen gas is ionized by an arc discharge and surfacemodification is performed using oxygen plasma generated by theionization of the treatment gas.

The treatment gas used may be a gas mixture of oxygen gas and an inertgas such as nitrogen gas, argon gas, or helium gas.

The amount of the oxygen gas supplied is preferably about 0.5 to about50 sccm, and the pressure of the atmosphere is preferably about 0.1 toabout 50 Pa.

The electric power applied from the power source during the arcdischarge is preferably about 10 to about 500 W, and the frequency ofthe power source is preferably about 1 to 50 kHz.

The static contact angle of water on the hydrophilized inner surfaces at25° C. is preferably 70° or less and more preferably 60° or less overthe entire region.

When the pixel electrode layer 5 and the common electrode layer 6include the respective insulating films, the static contact angle ofwater on the surface of each insulating film at 25° C. is preferably 70°or less and more preferably about 40 to about 55°. The static contactangle of water on the surface of the ITO film (metal oxide film) at 25°C. is preferably 30° or less and more preferably about 10 to about 20°.

The surface free energy of the hydrophilized inner surfaces ispreferably 50 mN/m or more and more preferably 60 mN/m or more over theentire region.

When the pixel electrode layer 5 and the common electrode layer 6include the respective insulating films, the surface free energy of thesurface of each insulating film is preferably 50 mN/m or more and morepreferably about 55 to about 65 mN/m. The surface free energy of the ITOfilm (metal oxide film) is preferably 70 mN/m or more and morepreferably about 75 to about 85 mN/m.

By setting the static contact angle and the surface free energy withinthe above ranges, the alignment aid can be supplied to the entire innersurfaces uniformly, and the alignment aid can adsorb (be fixed) on theinner surfaces more firmly.

[3] Assembling Step (Second Step)

Next, the sealing material is applied along edges of at least one of theactive matrix substrate AM and the color filter substrate CF using adispenser so as to form a closed loop ridge.

Then a predetermined amount of the liquid crystal composition is addeddropwise to the inner side of the sealing material under reducedpressure, and the active matrix substrate AM and the color filtersubstrate CF are disposed in contact with the liquid crystal compositionso as to face each other.

In the above ODF (one drop fill) method, it is necessary that an optimalamount of the liquid crystal composition that depends on the size of theliquid crystal display device 1 be injected dropwise. The liquid crystalcomposition described above is less susceptible to, for example, shockand an abrupt change in the pressure inside the dropwise addition deviceduring dropwise addition and can be added dropwise stably for a longtime. Therefore, the yield of the liquid crystal display device 1 can bekept high.

In particular, since the optimal amount of the liquid crystalcomposition injected into a small-size liquid crystal display devicefrequently used for smartphones is small, it is difficult to controlvariations in the injection amount within a given range. However, withthe liquid crystal composition described above, the optimal amount ofthe liquid crystal composition can be correctly injected dropwise eveninto a small-size liquid crystal display device in a stable manner.

Moreover, with the ODF method, the occurrence of droplet marks when theliquid crystal composition is added dropwise onto the substrates can beprevented. The droplet marks refer to a phenomenon in which whitedroplet marks of the droplets of the liquid crystal composition addedappear in a black display mode.

[4] Polymerizing Step (Third Step)

When the alignment aid includes a polymerizable group and/or the liquidcrystal composition includes a polymerizable compound, the liquidcrystal composition is irradiated with active energy rays such as V raysor an electron beam to polymerize the alignment aid and/or thepolymerizable compound.

The liquid crystal layer 4 is thereby formed, and the liquid crystaldisplay device 1 is obtained. In this case, since the alignment aid isfixed to the two substrates AM and CF, the polymerized product of thealignment aid and/or the polymerized product of the polymerizablecompound is segregated on the substrate AM and CF sides within theliquid crystal layer 4.

To obtain good alignment of the liquid crystal molecules, it ispreferable to use an appropriate polymerization speed. It is thereforepreferable that, during polymerization, one type of active energy raysis used for the irradiation or different types of active energy rays areused for the irradiation simultaneously or sequentially. When UV raysare used, a polarized light source may be used, or an unpolarized lightsource may be used.

In the present embodiment, the liquid crystal composition is subjectedto polymerization with the two substrates facing each other so as to bein contact with the liquid crystal composition. In this case, it isnecessary that at least the substrate located on the irradiation surfaceside have appropriate transmittance for the active energy rays.

The polymerization may be performed in a plurality of steps as follows.Specifically, first, a mask is used to polymerize the alignment aidand/or the polymerizable compound present only in a specific region inthe liquid crystal composition. Then conditions such as an electricfield, a magnetic field, or temperature are controlled to change thealignment state of the liquid crystal molecules in the non-polymerizedregion. The liquid crystal composition in this state is irradiated withthe active energy rays to polymerize the alignment aid and/or thepolymerizable compound present in the non-polymerized region.

In particular, when V rays are used, it is preferable that the liquidcrystal composition is irradiated with the V rays while an AC electricfield is applied to the liquid crystal composition.

The frequency of the AC current applied is preferably about 10 Hz toabout 10 kHz and more preferably about 60 Hz to about 10 kHz.

The voltage of the AC current applied is selected depending on thedesired pretilt angle of the liquid crystal display device 1.Specifically, by adjusting the voltage of the AC current applied, thepretilt angle of the liquid crystal display device 1 can be controlled.

In a horizontal electric field MVA mode liquid crystal display device,it is preferable from the viewpoint of alignment stability and contrastthat the pretilt angle is controlled to 80 to 89.9°.

The temperature during irradiation with UV rays is preferably in atemperature range in which the liquid crystal state of the liquidcrystal composition is maintained. The specific temperature ispreferably a temperature close to room temperature, typically about 15to about 35° C.

The lamp used to generate the UV rays may be a metal halide lamp, ahigh-pressure mercury lamp, or an ultrahigh-pressure mercury lamp.

The UV rays applied are preferably UV rays having a wavelength outsidethe absorption wavelength range of the liquid crystal composition. It ismore preferable that prescribed wavelengths of the UV rays used are cutoff if necessary.

The intensity of the UV rays applied is preferably about 0.1 mW/cm² toabout 100 W/cm² and more preferably about 2 mW/cm² to about 50 W/cm².The UV rays may be applied while the intensity of the UV rays ischanged.

The energy amount of the UV rays applied can be appropriately adjustedand is preferably about 10 mJ/cm² to about 500 J/cm² and more preferablyabout 100 mJ/cm² to about 200 J/cm².

The time of irradiation with the UV rays is appropriately selectedaccording to their intensity and is preferably about 10 to about 3600seconds and more preferably about 10 to about 600 seconds.

In the liquid crystal composition described above, since the alignmentaid does not inhibit the polymerization reaction of the polymerizablecompound, the polymerizable compound is suitably polymerized, and theamount of the unreacted polymerizable compound remaining in the liquidcrystal composition can be reduced.

In assembling step [3], a vacuum infusion method may be used instead ofthe one drop fill (ODF) method. For example, in the vacuum infusionmethod, first, a sealing material is applied along edges of at least oneof the active matrix substrate AM and the color filter substrate CF byscreen printing such that an injection hole remains unsealed. Then, thetwo substrates AM and CF are laminated, and the sealing material isheated to heat-cure it. Next, the injection hole is sealed, and thepolymerizing step [4] is performed.

The thus-obtained liquid crystal display device 1 is preferably a PSA,PSVA, VA, IPS, FFS, or ECB mode liquid crystal display device and morepreferably a PSA mode liquid crystal display device.

The liquid crystal display device manufacturing method of the presentinvention has been described. However, the present invention is notlimited to the embodiment described above.

For example, the liquid crystal display device manufacturing method ofthe present invention may further include an additional step for anypurpose, and any step may be replaced with another step having the sameworking effect.

In the liquid crystal display device in the preceding embodiment, boththe active matrix substrate AM and the color filter substrate CF are indirect contact with the liquid crystal layer 4 with no polyimide (PI)alignment film interposed therebetween. However, a PI alignment film maybe disposed on one of them. In this case, the surface of the PIalignment film may be or may not be subjected to the hydrophilizationtreatment.

In consideration of the influence of heat during the formation of the PIalignment film, it is preferable that the PI alignment film is disposedon the color filter substrate CF. In other words, when only one of thesubstrates is subjected to the hydrophilization treatment, it ispreferable that the active matrix substrate AM (the substrate having thepixel electrodes 13) is subjected to the hydrophilization treatment.

EXAMPLES

The present invention will be described by way of Examples. However, thepresent invention is not limited to these Examples.

The following characteristics of each liquid crystal composition weremeasured.

Tni: Nematic phase-isotropic liquid phase transition temperature (° C.)

Δn: Refractive index anisotropy at 293 K

Δε: Dielectric anisotropy at 293 K

γ1: Rotational viscosity (mPa·s) at 293 K

K11: Splay elastic constant (pN) at 293 K

K33: Bend elastic constant (pN) at 293 K

The following abbreviations are used for compounds used in the Examplesand Comparative Examples. n in each abbreviation is a natural number.

(Side Chains)

-n —C_(n)H_(2n+1): linear alkyl group having n carbon atoms

n- C_(n)H₂₊₁—: linear alkyl group having n carbon atoms

-On —OC_(n)H_(2n+1): linear alkoxy group having n carbon atoms

-V1 —CH═CH—CH₃: propenyl group

V- CH₂═CH—: vinyl group

1V2- CH₃—CH═CH—CH₂—CH₂—: pentenyl group

(Linking Structure)

-nO- —C_(n)H_(2n)O—

(Ring Structures)

The compositions and physical properties of liquid crystal mixtures LC-1and LC-2 are shown in Table 1 below.

TABLE 1 LC-1 LC-2 Liquid 3-Cy-Cy-2 16.5 16.5 crystal 3-Cy-Cy-4 3 4.5compound 3-Cy-Cy-V1 8.5 [% by mass] 3-Cy-Ph-O1 15 4.5 3-Ph-Ph-1 93-Cy-Ph-Ph-2 8 6.5 1V2-Ph-Ph-1 6 3-Cy-1O-Ph5-O1 8.5 3-Cy-Cy-1O-Ph5-O2 173-Cy-Ph5-O2 15.5 3-Ph-Ph5-O2 6.5 3-Cy-Cy-Ph5-O1 3.5 3-Cy-Cy-Ph5-O2 12.52-Cy-Ph-Ph5-O2 6.5 5.5 3-Cy-Ph-Ph5-O2 8 10 3-Cy-Ph-Ph5-O4 8.5 Total 100100 Physical Tni [° C.] 75 74 properties Δn 0.112 0.104 Δε −3.0 −2.8 Y₁[mPa · s] 122 107 K₁₁ [pN] 14.1 14.7 K₃₃ [pN] 13.9 14.2

The following alignment aids (A) to (E) were used.

The following polymerizable compounds (A) to (C) were used.

1. Production of Samples

Example 1

First, a first substrate including an ITO film and a second substrateincluding an ITO film and an organic insulating film formed on the ITOfilm and made of an acrylic resin (“OPTMER” manufactured by JSRCorporation) were prepared.

The surface of the ITO film of the first substrate and the surface ofthe organic insulating film of the second substrate were subjected toozone treatment using a UV ozone cleaner (“SSP17-110” manufactured bySEN LIGHTS Corporation).

The surface of the ITO film was subjected to the ozone treatment for 30seconds, and the surface of the organic insulating film was subjected tothe ozone treatment for 60 seconds.

Next, a sealing material was applied along the edges of the firstsubstrate using a dispenser so as to form a closed loop ridge.

Then a prescribed amount of a liquid crystal composition was addeddropwise to the inner side of the sealing material under reducedpressure, and the first substrate and the second substrate were disposedso as to face each other such that the substrates are in contact withthe liquid crystal composition.

In Example 1, the liquid crystal composition used contains liquidcrystal mixture LC-1, alignment aid (A), and polymerizable compound (A).The amount of alignment aid (A) contained in the liquid crystalcomposition was 1.0% by mass, and the amount of polymerizable compound(A) was 0.3% by mass.

Next, only the sealing material was irradiated with UV rays, and theannealing was performed at 120° C. for 1 hour to thereby obtain a liquidcrystal cell.

Then the liquid crystal cell was sandwiched between a pair of polarizingplates disposed such that their transmission axes were orthogonal toeach other to thereby obtain a sample.

Example 2

A sample was produced in the same manner as in Example 1 except that thetype of liquid crystal composition was changed.

In Example 2, a liquid crystal composition containing liquid crystalmixture LC-1, alignment aids (B) and (C), and polymerizable compound (A)was used. The amount of alignment aid (B) contained in the liquidcrystal composition was 0.2% by mass, and the amount of alignment aid(C) was 0.4% by mass. The amount of polymerizable compound (A) was 0.3%by mass.

Example 3

A sample was produced in the same manner as in Example 1 except that thetype of liquid crystal composition was changed.

In Example 3, a liquid crystal composition containing liquid crystalmixture LC-2, alignment aid (D), and polymerizable compound (B) wasused. The amount of alignment aid (D) contained in the liquid crystalcomposition was 0.6% by mass, and the amount of polymerizable compound(B) was 0.3% by mass.

Example 4

A sample was produced in the same manner as in Example 1 except that thetype of liquid crystal composition was changed.

In Example 4, a liquid crystal composition containing liquid crystalmixture LC-1, alignment aid (E), and polymerizable compound (A) wasused. The amount of alignment aid (E) contained in the liquid crystalcomposition was 0.4% by mass, and the amount of polymerizable compound(A) was 0.3% by mass.

Example 5

A sample was produced in the same manner as in Example 1 except that thetype of liquid crystal composition was changed.

In Example 5, a liquid crystal composition containing liquid crystalmixture LC-1, alignment aids (C) and (E), and polymerizable compounds(A) and (C) was used. The amount of alignment aid (C) contained in theliquid crystal composition was 0.2% by mass, and the amount of alignmentaid (E) was 0.4% by mass. The amount of polymerizable compound (A) was0.3% by mass, and the amount of polymerizable compound (C) was 0.3% bymass.

Examples 6 to 10

Samples were produced in the same manner as in Examples 1 to 5 exceptthat the surface of the ITO film was subjected to the ozone treatmentfor 10 seconds and that the surface of the organic insulating film wassubjected to the ozone treatment for 10 seconds.

Comparative Examples 1 to 5

Samples were produced in the same manner as in Examples 1 to 5 exceptthat the ozone treatment was omitted.

2. Measurement and Evaluation

2-1. Measurement of Static Contact Angle

A water droplet of 1 μL was placed on each of the surface of the ITOfilm and the surface of the organic insulating film, and the staticcontact angle of each water droplet at 25° C. was measured using acontact angle meter (DMo-501).

2-2. Measurement of Surface Free Energy

Water and 1-bromonaphthalene were used to measure their static contactangles in the same manner as described above, and the surface freeenergy of the surface of the ITO film and the surface free energy of theorganic insulating film were determined using the measurement results.

2-3. Evaluation of Degree of Light Transmission

Light was caused to pass through each of the samples obtained in theExamples and Comparative Examples, and the degree of light transmission(brightness unevenness) was evaluated according to the followingthree-level criteria.

<Evaluation Criteria>

x (poor): Almost the entire surface of a sample did not appear black.

Δ (fair): only a region around the portion of a sample to which theliquid crystal composition was added dropwise appeared black.

◯ (good): Almost the entire surface of a sample appeared black.

The measurement and evaluation results are shown in Table 3.

TABLE 3 Contact angle with Surface free Liquid crystal composition water[°] energy [mN/m] Liquid Polymerizable Organic Organic Degree of crystalAlignment aid compound insulating insulating light mixture [% by mass][% by mass] ITO film film ITO film film transmission Example 1 LC-1 A:1.0 — A: 0.3 — 17 41 76 65 ∘ Example 2 LC-1 B: 0.2 C: 0.4 A: 0.3 — 17 4176 65 ∘ Example 3 LC-2 D: 0.6 — B: 0.3 — 17 41 76 65 ∘ Example 4 LC-1 E:0.4 — A: 0.3 — 17 41 76 65 ∘ Example 5 LC-1 C: 0.2 E: 0.4 A: 0.3 C: 0.317 41 76 65 ∘ Example 6 LC-1 A: 1.0 — A: 0.3 — 28 61 71 54 Δ Example 7LC-1 B: 0.2 C: 0.4 A: 0.3 — 28 61 71 54 Δ Example 8 LC-2 D: 0.6 — B: 0.3— 28 61 71 54 Δ Example 9 LC-1 E: 0.4 — A: 0.3 — 28 61 71 54 Δ Example10 LC-1 C: 0.2 E: 0.4 A: 0.3 C: 0.3 28 61 71 54 Δ Comparative LC-1 A:1.0 — E: 0.3 — 44 76 62 46 x Example 1 Comparative LC-1 B: 0.2 C: 0.4 E:0.3 — 44 76 62 46 x Example 2 Comparative LC-2 D: 0.6 — F: 0.3 — 44 7662 46 x Example 3 Comparative LC-1 E: 0.4 — A: 0.3 — 44 76 62 46 xExample 4 Comparative LC-1 C: 0.2 E: 0.4 A: 0.3 C: 0.3 44 76 62 46 xExample 5

In each of the Examples, since the hydrophilization treatment wasperformed, the alignment aid was firmly fixed to the substrates, and theanchoring force for causing the liquid crystal molecules to be alignedvertically was exerted sufficiently. By changing the treatmentconditions, the effect of the hydrophilization treatment was improved.However, in each of the Comparative Examples, since the hydrophilizationtreatment was omitted, the above effect was not obtained.

REFERENCE SIGNS LIST

-   -   1 liquid crystal display device    -   AM active matrix substrate    -   CF color filter substrate    -   2 first substrate    -   3 second substrate    -   4 liquid crystal layer    -   5 pixel electrode layer    -   6 common electrode layer    -   7 first polarizing plate    -   8 second polarizing plate    -   9 color filter    -   11 gate bus line    -   12 data bus line    -   13 pixel electrode    -   14 Cs electrode    -   15 source electrode    -   16 drain electrode    -   17 contact hole

The invention claimed is:
 1. A liquid crystal display devicemanufacturing method for manufacturing a liquid crystal display devicecomprising: a first substrate, a second substrate and a liquid crystallayer sandwiched therebetween, the method comprising: a first step ofsubjecting a surface of an organic insulating film provided on the firstsubstrate to a hydrophilization treatment; and a second step ofdisposing the first substrate and the second substrate to face eachother such that the first substrate and the second substrate are incontact with the liquid crystal layer comprising a liquid crystalcomposition containing liquid crystal molecules and an alignment aidhaving a polar group and having the function of causing the liquidcrystal molecules to be aligned spontaneously, wherein the organicinsulating film of the first substrate is in contact with the liquidcrystal layer without an alignment layer, wherein a contact surface ofthe organic insulating film contacting the liquid crystal layer subjectto the hydrophilization treatment has a static contact angle of water at25° C. is 70° or less.
 2. The liquid crystal display devicemanufacturing method according to claim 1, wherein the hydrophilizationtreatment is ozone treatment or UV treatment.
 3. The liquid crystaldisplay device manufacturing method according to claim 2, wherein theozone treatment is treatment performed in an ozone-containing atmospherefor 1 to 100 seconds.
 4. The liquid crystal display device manufacturingmethod according to claim 1, wherein the alignment aid has apolymerizable group that can be polymerized by irradiation with activeenergy rays, and wherein the method further comprises a third step of,after the second step, irradiating the liquid crystal composition withthe active energy rays to polymerize the alignment aid.
 5. The liquidcrystal display device manufacturing method according to claim 4,wherein the liquid crystal composition further contains a polymerizablecompound that can be polymerized by irradiation with the active energyrays, and wherein the polymerizable compound is also polymerized in thethird step.
 6. The liquid crystal display device manufacturing methodaccording to claim 1, wherein the first substrate has a pixel electrode.7. The liquid crystal display device manufacturing method according toclaim 1, wherein, in the first step, a surface of the second substratethat is to be in contact with the liquid crystal layer is also subjectedto the hydrophilization treatment.
 8. The liquid crystal display devicemanufacturing method according to claim 7, wherein the second substrateis in direct contact with the liquid crystal layer with no alignmentfilm therebetween.
 9. The liquid crystal display device manufacturingmethod according to claim 7, wherein the second substrate includes acolor filter.
 10. The liquid crystal display device manufacturing methodaccording to claim 1, wherein, in the second step, the liquid crystalcomposition is supplied onto the hydrophilized surface of the firstsubstrate, such that the liquid crystal composition directly contactsthe organic insulating film that has been subject to thehydrophilization treatment, followed by disposing the first substrate tobe opposed to the second substrate such that the second substrate is incontact with the liquid crystal composition.
 11. The liquid crystaldisplay device manufacturing method according to claim 1, wherein theliquid crystal display device is a PSA, PSVA, VA, IPS, FFS, or ECB modeliquid crystal display device.
 12. The liquid crystal display devicemanufacturing method according to claim 1, wherein the contact surfacehas a surface free energy of 50 mN/m or more.
 13. The liquid crystaldisplay device manufacturing method according to claim 1, wherein thecontact surface of the organic insulating film contacting the liquidcrystal layer has the static contact angle of water at 25° C. is 40° to70°.
 14. The liquid crystal display device manufacturing methodaccording to claim 12, wherein the contact surface has the surface freeenergy of 50 mN/m to 85 mN/m.